"Work from Home Denied After Father's Death": Employee's appeal for remote work following family loss sparks discussion on office toxicity
In a shocking turn of events, an IT professional's post on Reddit has gone viral, exposing what many perceive as a stark contrast between corporate rhetoric about work-life balance and mental well-being, and the actual workplace practices in India. The post, shared in the wake of the IT professional's father's passing, has highlighted the discrepancy between the lofty promises made by companies and the reality faced by their employees.
The viral post has sparked critical discussions concerning workplace conduct in India, particularly in sectors that prioritize client delivery over employee welfare. It has encouraged employees to prioritize their families over work commitments, even without explicit permission, and has been met with a wave of sympathy and intense fury from the online community.
The Indian system currently lacks a uniform, legal framework for bereavement leave, relying heavily on employer goodwill and internal policies. While some companies offer paid leave, the duration varies widely, with IT and corporate firms typically offering 3-5 days, and the manufacturing sector offering 2-3 days. The government sector provides leave as per service rules, while startups have a flexible, case-by-case basis.
In contrast, countries like the UK provide legal entitlements for bereavement leave, often with some paid leave. The UK government is moving towards legally extending bereavement leave to cover pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, proposing at least one week of unpaid leave initially, with consultations about payment and duration ongoing.
The IT professional's post has reignited discussions about the inadequacy of bereavement leave policies in India, with many advocating for mandatory minimum grievance leaves and improved guidelines for compassionate workplace conduct across industries. The post has also sparked a call for more supportive work environments, with one Reddit user, Candid-Muffin4672, sharing a story of defiance: "I told them I require 3 weeks off and 2 weeks WFH. I did not wait for permission. If my manager objected, I'd have resigned that day."
The IT professional's plight is not unique. Despite his need to observe religious rituals and care for his mother, he was denied an extension for work-from-home arrangements. His payroll company's manager initially offered support but later deferred the issue back to the client.
This situation highlights perceived rigidity and insensitivity in some corporate cultures and the absence of a formal legal framework for compassionate leave in India. As the conversation continues, it is hoped that reforms will be made to align Indian labor laws with international best practices, ensuring that employees are supported during their time of grief.
- The viral post on Reddit has raised concerns about the discrepancy between work-life balance promises and actual workplace practices in India, especially in sectors that prioritize client delivery over employee welfare.
- The Indian system has no uniform, legal framework for bereavement leave, relying heavily on employer goodwill and internal policies, with varying leave durations among different sectors.
- In contrast, some countries, like the UK, provide legal entitlements for bereavement leave, often with paid leave, with the government proposing to extend it to cover pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
- The IT professional's post has encouraged conversations about improving bereavement leave policies in India, with many advocating for mandatory minimum grievance leaves and compassionate workplace conduct.
- One Reddit user, Candid-Muffin4672, shared a story of defiance, asserting the importance of prioritizing family and taking time off work without waiting for permission.
- The IT professional's struggle to balance work commitments with religious rituals and care for his mother while being denied an extension for work-from-home arrangements underscores the perceived rigidity and insensitivity in some corporate cultures, further highlighting the need for a formal legal framework for compassionate leave in India.
