"Return to office": Grieving employee denied work from home after father's death, fuels toxic culture debate

Dubai: A Reddit post by a grieving IT professional has rapidly gone viral, exposing what many are now calling a shocking example of corporate insensitivity and a deeply troubling toxic workplace culture. The employee revealed he was explicitly denied extended work-from-home (WFH) arrangements despite the recent passing of his father and the ongoing requirement to observe religious rituals.

In a Reddit thread titled 'Workplace Toxicity,' the IT worker, employed by a service-based company, laid bare the emotional and psychological toll of attempting to mourn while facing intense pressure to return to the office. His father had passed away just last week. Following an initial five days of leave and a week of WFH while his father was hospitalised, the employee requested an additional month of work-from-home to remain in his hometown. This was crucial for him to continue caring for his mother and complete the ongoing post-bereavement rituals.

The response from his client manager left him stunned: "Complete the rituals and please arrange to carry on," the manager curtly replied. This effectively dismissed the employee's genuine plea for an extension and showed a stark lack of compassion. The employee had also reached out to his payroll company's manager, who initially offered support but then deferred the issue back, stating the employee would need to resolve it directly with the client. Requests for a phone call to discuss the matter were also disallowed.

Caught between profound grief and escalating work demands, the distressed worker turned to Reddit, asking, "Is it normal for people to return to work just three days after their parent has passed away?" He expressed deep concern about his family's perception of his quick return and the grueling travel routine he would endure if forced to commute back to the office every weekend.

Avalanche of support and fury follows viral post

The employee's heartfelt post triggered an outpouring of sympathy and intense fury from the online community.

One Redditor commented, "Very sorry for your loss. As the top comment said, don’t seek permission. Just inform them you’re taking the time off. Whatever happens will happen. Your family should be your priority.”

Another poster, under the username Candid-Muffin4672, shared a similar story of defiance: “This is not normal. Never put work or company over your parents. My dad had surgery last year. I told them I require 3 weeks off and 2 weeks WFH. I did not wait for permission. If my manager objected, I'd have resigned that day.”

Numerous commentators condemned companies that frequently promote work-life balance and mental well-being through public relations efforts but then display no genuine compassion when employees face real-life tragedies.

The viral post has also reignited critical discussions concerning the inadequacy of bereavement leave policies in India, particularly within sectors where client delivery is often prioritised over fundamental employee welfare. Critics are now advocating for mandatory minimum grievance leaves and improved guidelines for compassionate workplace conduct across industries.