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Journalism of Courage
An Indian tech professional recently opened up on Reddit about the emotional toll he’s facing after losing his father, and how his workplace has shown no empathy during this difficult time.
In his post, shared on July 16, the man revealed that his request to work from home (WFH) was turned down by both his company and the client he reports to. “WFH request denied for my father’s demise,” he wrote, adding that his father had passed away a week earlier. He had already taken five days of leave and spent another week working remotely while his father was hospitalised. Now, with funeral rituals still ongoing and his mother left alone in their hometown, he hoped to extend his WFH arrangement, but was met with silence and indifference.
As an employee at a service-based IT firm working directly with a client, he said he reached out to the client manager, asking for a one-month extension to continue working remotely. Instead of support, he got a vague message: “Finish the rituals and please plan to proceed ahead.” The meaning, he said, was clear: “come back to the office.” He even requested a call to explain his situation, but it went unanswered. Meanwhile, his own manager, he added, was of no help either.
Frustrated and torn between his responsibilities at home and his job, he turned to Reddit for advice.
The post quickly gained traction, drawing over 300 upvotes and numerous empathetic responses. Many were dismayed at the company’s apparent lack of basic human compassion, while others pointed out that such treatment is not uncommon in client-driven roles where deliverables often come before employees’ personal well-being.
A user wrote, “This is inhumane. Sorry for your loss, OP. During my layoff, the email that the head of our company sent mentioned that I am taking too many leaves. The last leave I took is in Feb when I came to see parents.”
Another user said, “I am sorry u are going through this op. Not getting time to grieve and worry about office is the thing I relate to. My husband suffered a heart attack and my office wanted me back in 5 days He was put on bed rest for 6 months. Unfortunately I had to leave my job for caregiving and now unable to find it again in this tough market. But I fought tooth and nail. In the end figured Its not worth it. Put the mail. Try your best..maybe involve hr. If nothing works out Do what feels right to u. At the end we cannot expect humanity from corporate. Very few managers and companies do that. Find that one company that does.”
However, not everyone thought the man’s demand was justified. A Redditor responded saying, “I think WFH has become a luxury in India, better apply leaves and carry out rituals. Then once you’re okay join back. Very sorry for your loss, May God give you and family strength.”
