Viral Post, ‘wHo tOuGhT YoU dEcIpLinE?’: Banker Seeks Sick Leave, Gets Lecture On Work Ethics In Broken English
Viral Post, ‘wHo tOuGhT YoU dEcIpLinE?’: Banker Seeks Sick Leave, Gets Lecture On Work Ethics In Broken English
Reddit post exposing a manager’s insensitive response to an employee’s health issue sparks debate on toxic work culture in India.
A Reddit post titled “What should I do with this kind of Manager?” has drawn widespread attention for exposing a troubling instance of toxic management in the Indian corporate sector. The post details an exchange between a Bengaluru-based bank employee and his branch manager after the employee requested medical leave due to severe health discomfort.
According to the employee, he was suffering from an ailment—reportedly haemorrhoids or fissures—that made it difficult for him to sit or stand for long periods. He submitted his doctor’s prescription and requested a short medical leave. In his message, he explained, “I am unable to sit or stand for a long time… please provide me medical leave for today.”
When the manager did not respond initially, the employee followed up to clarify that his condition remained “not manageable.” Instead of empathy, the employee received a stern reply: “Who taught you discipline? Look at the time when you are asking for leave. It will be a loss of pay for both days.”
What should I do with this kind of Manager
byu/nanukannadiga inIndianWorkplace
The employee apologised and reiterated that he was unwell, saying, “Please understand my situation, sir. I am asking for medical reasons… I am sorry for not informing you earlier.” The manager, however, persisted with his admonishment, writing, “Who will do your business? The more you run away from your responsibility and commitment, the more problems. You didn’t stand by your commitment as far as the first 10 days are concerned.”
Maintaining composure, the employee assured the manager, “I will do it, sir. I’m not running away from my commitments. I will cover up after I return to the office.”
The post has since gone viral, with users criticising the manager’s lack of compassion and professionalism. Many pointed out the irony of his poorly written reprimands, with one user commenting, “Texts ‘wHo tOuGhT YoU dEcIpLinE?’ and he’s a branch manager. Wow.”
Another user advised the employee to escalate the matter to HR, attaching all relevant medical documents and maintaining a record of all communications. Several users encouraged the employee to stand firm, prioritise health, and look for better opportunities elsewhere.
Others questioned the increasing reliance on WhatsApp for official communication, with one suggesting, “Just say I am on sick leave today and sleep, man. Send an official email and turn off your phone.”
The incident has reignited discussions on the emotional toll of toxic workplace behaviour and the urgent need for empathy and professionalism in managerial conduct across India’s corporate landscape.
