A Reddit user has detailed the challenges faced by employees in small private firms, where workers are often forced to continue their duties even when unwell. The post highlights the lack of protections in smaller companies and the intense pressure to meet deadlines, even during medical emergencies.
Sick but Still on the Clock
“One day, I had an eye infection and was told by my doctor to avoid screen time at all costs for a couple of days, including the weekend. My boss kept calling me, asking for a quick fix, to send files, ‘do this, do that,’ and reminding me of next month’s tasks, even preponing the client’s deadline on the same day after I told her I needed some days off with a valid reason. In the end, I had to be rude and tell my boss, ‘I’m sorry I can’t do anything you asked, because I am not able to see! I hope you understand.’ Then my boss explained to me how eyes should work, saying I have deadlines so I have to submit. I even asked if I had to submit my medical reports and all. Boss said, ‘Yeah, that’s fine… but what about deadlines? We have to finish it Aaap.’ I almost cried and hated myself for being sick that day,” the user wrote on Reddit.
Overwork and Workplace Pressure
After recovering, the employee was required to work on weekends to compensate for lost hours, a situation that was reportedly common among colleagues. “Some colleagues have even worked 18 hours straight and were on verge of collapsing because boss said ‘Deadlines are near. We need to submit,’” the Redditor added.
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