Article Today, Hyderabad:
A social media post on Reddit has sparked a nationwide debate on corporate work culture in India. The post, comparing the reactions of Indian and Japanese managers to an employee’s leave request, has drawn attention to how professional empathy differs sharply across countries. The incident has triggered widespread discussion among Indian employees, who say the country’s corporate culture often prioritizes work over well-being.
Contrasting Reactions to Leave Requests
According to the viral Reddit post, an employee who requested urgent leave received two very different responses from his Indian and Japanese managers. The Japanese manager approved the request immediately, advising the employee to take care and rest well. In contrast, the Indian manager expressed dissatisfaction, claiming the employee had been taking too many leaves. Though the leave was finally approved, the employee was instructed to remain available on phone and email — effectively turning the break into an extended workday.
“Work First, Life Next” Culture
The post resonated with thousands of Indian professionals who described similar experiences. Many said that seeking leave often attracts scrutiny or subtle criticism from management. Employees feel that personal time is treated as a privilege, not a right. Several users pointed out that while countries such as France and Japan encourage rest and balance, Indian companies equate constant availability with dedication. Experts note that this mentality contributes to burnout and declining mental health among the workforce.
The Japanese Model: Managers as Servants
In Japan, corporate culture is built on respect and collective well-being. Managers see themselves as facilitators rather than supervisors. When an employee requests leave, it is viewed not as a disruption but as an act of self-care. Japanese managers reportedly encourage workers to take unused holidays, believing that a rested employee is more productive. The underlying philosophy emphasises that personal well-being strengthens professional efficiency — a concept still struggling to find ground in India’s hierarchical system.
Toxic Expectations at Work
Indian employees often describe their workplace interactions as dominated by mistrust and unnecessary control. Several said that taking leave requires justification, often through fabricated reasons like illness or family emergencies. A private sector employee commented that applying for leave sometimes feels like “killing the same relative twice,” referring to the constant need to explain or prove the reason for absence. Psychologists warn that such workplace stress can lead to anxiety, loss of motivation, and reduced productivity.
The Need for a Cultural Shift
Experts argue that Indian corporations must reconsider how they define productivity. Encouraging rest and flexibility, rather than punishing absence, can create a healthier and more loyal workforce. Adopting elements of the Japanese model — where managers act with empathy and view employees as partners — could help rebuild trust. While some claim the issue depends on individual managerial style, the consensus remains that India’s corporate culture must evolve to value human well-being alongside performance.
Towards a Healthier Work Ethic
The growing discussion around leave culture reflects a larger question about priorities in Indian workplaces. As one management expert observed, “Work can wait, but health cannot.” Unless organisations address the imbalance between professional commitment and personal life, employees will continue to equate leave with guilt rather than rest. The challenge, therefore, is not in granting leave, but in granting it with dignity.
