Workers are increasingly calling out toxic management behavior online, highlighting how bosses refuse to take time off and guilt workers into signing in even when they’re unwell. Recent viral posts on Reddit and LinkedIn have revealed how some managers are micromanaging, ignoring employee health issues and denying even basic vacations.
“Every festive season brings with it the same anguish. Instead of excitement, I am filled with anxiety and fear, mostly when I apply for leave. If the request is rejected, the guilt of disappointing the family and disrupting their plans makes it worse,” says a dejected 30-year-old multimedia journalist working with a leading media house.
Do employees feel guilty about taking time off?
“Yes,” says Priya Rajiv, Integrative Wellness Mentor and Founder of The Wellness Network. “Gaslighting and guilt-tripping employees is commonplace these days. It’s a pure generational hangover. Millennials had Gen X managers who followed a strict work ethic. Some Millennials who have adopted this style in turn impose it on their teams. But Gen Z doesn’t play by those rules – in fact, they prioritize physical and mental well-being.”
Rohita Sateesh, a licensed rehabilitation psychologist who founded Indore-based TalkRemedies, adds, “Rest is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. Developing self-compassion, setting firm boundaries and seeking support – whether from colleagues or mental health professionals – can relieve guilt and allow employees to leave without worry.”
Gaslighting and blaming employees are commonplace these days. It’s a pure generational hangover – Priya Rajiv, Integrative Wellness Mentor and Founder of The Wellness Network
One post on Reddit recounted the harrowing experience of a private bank employee who requested sick leave for suspected hemorrhoids. The manager’s response was a cold-blooded “It will be a loss of salary.” The terse response sparked outrage online, with users criticizing a lack of empathy and a toxic workplace culture.
Does empathy matter in workplace communication?
Experts say empathy isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the backbone of meaningful interactions in the workplace.
“Empathy is the foundation of true connection,” says Rohita. “It fosters an environment where colleagues feel heard and understood. When empathy is present, communication becomes a two-way street that fosters openness and mutual respect.”
Sweta Todi, Head of People Operations at Evolutyz, an IT services company with offices in India and the US, adds, “Our HR teams are always available to employees who are emotionally drained or demotivated by poor leadership.”
In contrast, a Canadian manager’s message to his Indian employee: “You look tired, take a vacation, boss,” went viral as a show of genuine concern and compassion, sparking conversations about a healthy workplace culture.
Empathy is the foundation of true connection. Fosters an environment where colleagues feel heard and understood – Rohita Sateesh, Licensed Rehabilitation Psychologist and Founder, Indore-based TalkRemedies
Read also | “My manager tried to blackmail me…”: Reddit post about workplace toxicity goes viral
Says Sweta: “Contrary to what is being said online, companies are more accommodating these days. Unless there are pressing operational needs, personal biases rarely influence decisions, one way or the other.”
Arnab Mallik, co-founder of Learning Soil Edu says, “In my experience in many organizations, sick leave is never denied, even when there is a shortage of staff. This is ensured by strong policies and legal safeguards. Even when there are operational pressures, we always prioritize empathy and ensure that employees feel supported.”
Another LinkedIn post highlighted the rise of “demotivated leave,” where employees take time off not because of illness, but to overcome the emotional exhaustion caused by toxic leadership.
Does toxic leadership lead to long-term burnout?
Experts warn that unchecked toxicity at the top can quietly erode mental health over time.
“Unfortunately, yes,” says Rohita. “Toxic leadership creates a hostile environment that drains emotional resources over time. Sustained exposure to such a culture increases the risk of burnout, anxiety and depression, which impacts long-term mental health and overall well-being.”
In one shocking case, the head of a zonal nationalized bank reportedly raged at an employee: “Everybody’s mother dies… You’re useless anyway,” as he sought leave after his mother’s death. An internal email went viral, exposing a pattern of abusive management prevalent in the public sector as well.
The overwhelming psychological impact of being denied leave:
“When employees are consistently denied time off or micromanaged, ‘occupational hazards’ can erode their sense of independence and confidence,” points out Rohita. “Over time, this pressure fuels stress, and the resulting demotivation can eventually worsen mental health, making the workplace more of an anxiety-inducing space than a growth-oriented resource.”
How can managers “support” their teams?
“Managers play a significant role in shaping mental health in the workplace,” says Rohita. “Being a good listener, showing genuine interest, respecting boundaries and fostering trust are vital steps that are a good sign. Creating a culture where employees feel safe and secure to open up about their issues can make all the difference.”
In short, managers can make or break an organization.
Sweta adds, “The key is 360-degree feedback, mandatory pre-promotion emotional intelligence training and leadership accountability metrics. Mentoring for managers is underrated, but it works.”
Read also | An Indian manager wants employees to work on weekends; they refuse, then his ultimatum
Are Indian employees legally entitled to sick and festival leave?
“There are no such specific laws,” explains Hyderabad-based advocate Ramakanth, who has been practicing services and corporate law for the past two decades. “Workers’ compensation laws define some rights, but designated holidays vary by industry and role. There are protections, but they rarely lead to significant or meaningful results.”
Ramakanth adds, “India is a service-driven country. HR staff and managers are not the only ones to blame – they too have their own goals. The laws are there and they look powerful on paper, but compliance may not be viable for most employees. And that’s the bottom line.”
Employees and HR managers are not the only ones to blame – they have their goals too – Advocate Ramakanth
5 Ways Managers Can Get Up to Speed
Priya Rajiv shares five ways managers can communicate respectfully with their team.
5 Ways Managers Should Communicate Respectfully
