A WhatsApp conversation between a Gen Z employee and his manager has sparked massive discussion online, highlighting how younger workers are increasingly rejecting toxic workplace behaviour. The chat shows the employee informing his boss about his uncle’s death and requesting a day off to be with his grieving family.

However, instead of offering empathy, the manager insisted he attend an important client meeting first. When the employee explained that his uncle was like a “second father,” the manager continued to pressure him to prioritise work.

The employee pushed back, reminding his boss that he had consistently worked long hours and deserved a single day to mourn. The situation escalated when the manager threatened to mark the leave as Leave Without Pay and even demanded a death certificate.

The viral screenshot, originally posted on X (formerly Twitter), captured the employee telling his boss:
“Sir, my uncle passed away last night. I need to be with my family.”
The boss responded coldly:
“Today is client meeting. You can attend and then go. He isn’t your parent.”

Shocked, the employee replied that a death in the family is still a loss and said he could not pretend everything was normal in a meeting. He added that despite giving the company late nights and weekends, he needed just one day for personal grief.

Agitated, the manager accused him of “overreacting.” The employee replied:
“I’m standing up for basic human decency. If you can’t understand that, maybe I’m working for the wrong person.”

The conversation ended with the boss threatening HR action, marking LWP, and demanding a death certificate for paid time off. The post’s caption read:
“Only Gen Z can change the toxic Indian work culture. Salute to this guy.”

Social Media Reactions: Netizens Applaud Employee’s Courage

The chat triggered a wave of responses online. One user commented:
“A boss who says ‘client won’t wait’ after hearing about a death shouldn’t manage people—only spreadsheets.”

Another manager shared their experience, stating that they always support their team during emergencies, which helps maintain trust and loyalty:
“It’s mutual. When I need them, they’re always ready.”

Many agreed that it’s often employers—not clients—who create pressure.
“Clients are usually understanding. It’s the manager who refuses to be human,” one user wrote.

Some warned the manager could face serious consequences if the company identity is revealed.

However, not everyone supported the Gen Z employee. A few felt he argued too much and should have ended the conversation earlier. Others believed employers can easily replace staff, reflecting the brutal realities of some workplaces.

Another Similar Incident Sparks Debate

Another story from Reddit’s IndianWorkplace forum has also gone viral. An employee shared a screenshot of his manager pressuring him to stay active on WhatsApp and join client onboarding calls even after he informed them about his grandfather’s death.

While the manager initially offered condolences, he added:
“We have onboarding today. Can you stay on the call and help the designers when needed?”

The employee expressed frustration, saying he had been handling extra work for months without complaint, but being asked to work during a family tragedy was unacceptable.

Users strongly condemned the manager’s behaviour.
One wrote:
“‘Take the day off’ should NOT be followed by ‘but’.”

Another advised:
“Resign with the screenshot attached and copy the CEO. Even if it doesn’t change anything, they need to see it.”

Many reminded employees not to be overly loyal to workplaces that don’t value them:
“In business, there is no space for emotions—learn to protect your boundaries.”