A manager’s decision to share a candid leave request from an employee on LinkedIn has ignited a viral conversation about how workplace culture and communication are positively evolving. The post resonated widely on the professional networking platform, with users praising both the employee’s honesty and the manager’s empathetic response.
The Honest Leave Request
The employee, seeking a day off, sent a remarkably straightforward email explaining the personal reason for his request:
“Hi Sir, I wanted to request a leave on 16th December. My girlfriend is leaving for her home in Uttarakhand on the 17th and won’t be back until early January, so I’d like to spend that day with her before she leaves. Let me know if this works,” the email read.
Manager’s Reflection on Changing Times
The manager shared a screenshot of the email and reflected on the significant shift in workplace communication over the last decade. He contrasted the employee’s honesty with past practices:
“Received this in my inbox recently. A decade ago, this would’ve come as a sudden “sick leave” message at 9:15 AM. Today, it’s a transparent request sent well in advance. Times are changing. And honestly? I prefer this version. Can’t say no to love, can we? Leave approved,” the manager wrote.
The public approval of the leave request highlighted the manager’s willingness to prioritize employee well-being and trust over strict, impersonal protocols.
Social Media Reaction: Calling for Trust
The viral post spurred widespread agreement among LinkedIn users, who emphasized the importance of trust and transparency in fostering a healthy work environment.
- Many users praised the manager’s decision, noting that such openness fundamentally helps build stronger trust between teams and management.
- However, others argued that the requirement to justify any personal leave request is itself a symptom of a still-evolving, imperfect culture.
- One user commented: “Having to give reasons for personal leave is sad. We need to do better. It should be nobody’s business whether to meet his boyfriend, or his dog’s girlfriend.”
- Another added: “Still wonder why there’s a need to try so hard to justify personal leave. A healthy work culture should trust people enough that saying, ‘I need a personal day,’ is sufficient.”
Overall, the conversation focused on the positive shift from mandatory secrecy to appreciated honesty in modern offices.