Tech Worker Accuses Manager of WFH Denial Following Father's Demise, Inciting Public Outcry in India
In a recent online discussion, an Indian IT professional shared his predicament after his father's passing, seeking advice on navigating his challenging situation at work. The employee, who wished to remain anonymous, requested a one-month extension for working from home (WFH) to support his mother. However, his manager did not respond to his request for a call to discuss the matter further, and his WFH request was denied by his client manager.
This incident highlights the varying policies on bereavement leave and WFH across Indian companies. According to recent reports, Indian employment and labor laws do not mandate bereavement leave, leaving it to the discretion of employers to establish their own policies. While most companies offer bereavement leave as a gesture of compassion, the eligibility for such leave often depends on company-specific criteria.
Similarly, the flexibility to work from home during a family crisis is not universal across all Indian companies. Companies with a more empathetic culture are more likely to accommodate requests for WFH during personal crises. However, there is no legal framework mandating employers to allow WFH during bereavement or other family crises, and decisions are often at the discretion of the employer.
Many users online expressed outrage over the workplace's lack of compassion, with some noting that corporate policies on bereavement and remote work are often unclear. One user advised the employee to inform his employer about the time off without seeking permission, while another shared a personal experience of being criticized for taking leaves during a layoff.
The employee's situation resonated with several users who empathized with his situation. One user mentioned that losing a parent is one of the deepest emotional wounds a person can go through, and another expressed sympathy for the employee's loss. A fourth user emphasized that the employee's family should be his priority at this time, highlighting that the company will not shut down if the employee does not show up for 10 days.
This incident serves as a reminder for companies to review and update their policies on bereavement leave and WFH during family crises to provide better support for their employees during difficult times. By doing so, companies can foster a more empathetic and understanding culture, ensuring that their employees feel valued and supported during challenging moments in their lives.
- In light of this situation, it's crucial for science and education institutions to study and develop strategies that promote workplace-wellness, focusing on mental-health support and health-and-wellness programs for employees facing personal hardships.
- To create a more empathetic workplace culture, workplaces could consider incorporating education-and-self-development programs that teach managers about mental-health awareness and the importance of personal-growth during difficult times, fostering sensitivity towards employees who are going through such challenges.
- By implementing such initiatives, companies can foster an environment that actively appreciates the importance of mental health, personal growth, and wellness, thereby contributing positively to the overall health and productivity of their employees.
