“It’s time to stop”: Indian employee shares European manager’s message after working past midnight
“It’s time to stop”: Indian employee shares European manager’s message after working past midnight
Long working hours have become a norm for many employees, but a recent interaction between an India-based professional and his Europe-based manager is turning heads for its wholesome approach to boundaries and employee wellbeing. The conversation, shared on Reddit, has gone viral, highlighting the striking differences between workplace cultures across continents.
The employee, who oversees sales and operations for a European company recently acquired by his organisation, had sent a late-night update to his Director of Sales regarding an important ongoing deal. “It’s still in process but I’ll share it with you once I receive it from marketing team,” he messaged, unaware that his manager would respond in an unexpectedly considerate way.
Recognising the time difference, the European executive asked, “It’s already close to midnight for you, isn’t it?” When the employee confirmed that it was indeed past his shift hours, the manager replied simply, “So it’s time to stop working,” adding a friendly smiley.
The Indian employee shared the screenshot on Reddit, praising his manager’s thoughtful approach. “We recently acquired a company in Europe, and I look after sales and its operations from here. Their Director of Sales likes me for the potential I have, really motivates me, pushes me, and gives tips; today, as someone who loves my job, I was speaking to him on an important deal, and instead he replied to me with this,” he wrote. He also described the company’s rules and work regulations as “crazy nice,” contrasting sharply with more demanding professional environments he had experienced in India.
The Reddit post sparked widespread discussion among users, many of whom lauded the European manager’s emphasis on work-life balance. One user wrote, “I love what they have built as a culture—they don’t care if their profit tank. But they definitely care about their work-life balance.” Another commented, “When will I see this in India?”
Others shared personal experiences, noting the cultural gap in workplace expectations. “A European manager once said that we’re not saving lives, we are saving Excel files, it can wait,” remarked one Redditor. Another added, “I worked with some clients in Europe and they respect boundaries on another level. Initially it was a cultural shock for me; I wish Indian corporates could learn from them.”
While the Indian employee was willing to work late due to the significance of the deal, the interaction reflects a larger conversation about the importance of respecting personal time and fostering a healthy work culture.
