A Delhi-based employee's plea to work from home, citing worsening health conditions directly linked to the city's hazardous air quality, was flatly rejected by their manager. This incident has ignited a significant online discussion about the lack of workplace empathy during Delhi's ongoing pollution crisis.
Health Concerns Brushed Aside
The employee shared screenshots of the distressing exchange in a Reddit post that quickly went viral. The post, titled "Denied WFH despite health issues from Delhi pollution," detailed the user's ordeal. Suffering from severe headaches for two consecutive days because of the capital's toxic Air Quality Index (AQI), the employee had still made the effort to commute to the office. Demonstrating commitment, they had even stayed late until 8:45 PM the previous night to meet crucial project deadlines.
Instead of applying for a sick day, the employee simply requested a single day of work-from-home relief. The manager's reported response was unsympathetic, stating that "everyone is suffering from pollution" and claiming it would be "difficult" to grant WFH since other team members were physically present in the office.
A Pattern of Neglect
Further compounding the issue, the Reddit user revealed that this was not an isolated incident. They had been asking the company management to install air purifiers in the office for over a week to protect employee health. These requests were also refused, with no clear reasons provided for the denial.
Expressing deep frustration, the user wrote, "It's beyond me how basic health concerns are being brushed aside like this." They questioned whether it was unreasonable to expect a degree of understanding and empathy from their employer, especially when they were still willing to work through their illness.
Internet Backs Employee, Highlights Systemic Issue
The online community rallied behind the employee, with the post gaining rapid traction. Numerous users condemned the manager's dismissive attitude, with many urging the individual to seek employment with a more supportive organization.
One commenter sharply criticized the manager's logic, writing, "Hideous that he pulled the 'I have headaches too' card. How dare you rest when he doesn't!" Another user pointed out the absurdity of the situation, asking, "What's the point of sick leave if you still have to work? Ridiculous."
Some offered practical steps, advising the employee to formally document the issue via email and escalate it if necessary. The discussion also broadened to address the larger, grim reality of life in polluted Indian cities. A user poignantly noted, "Empathy now feels like a privilege. North India goes through this every day," adding that even cities like Bengaluru are witnessing a worrying rise in dust pollution, making this a pervasive national concern.
