A Reddit post by an Indian tech professional has sparked widespread empathy and debate online, after revealing how their employer denied a request for work from home (WFH) following the death of their father. The employee, who works with a service-based IT firm on a client project, shared their emotional ordeal while still in the midst of performing post-death rituals for their father.
In the now-viral Reddit post, the tech worker wrote, “My dad passed away one week ago. I took 5 days’ leave and one week of WFH as my dad was hospitalised earlier. Currently doing the ritual events.” However, when they requested a one-month WFH extension to stay with their grieving mother in their hometown, the response they received was anything but compassionate.
“He just said ‘Finish the rituals and please plan to proceed ahead’. Meaning, ‘come back to the office’. I asked for a call, he didn’t respond,” the user explained.
To make matters worse, the employee claimed that their own company manager refused to support or mediate on their behalf, leaving them feeling isolated and abandoned during one of the most difficult times of their life.
Reddit Community Rallies Around Employee
The post quickly gained traction on Reddit, especially among professionals and tech workers, many of whom expressed outrage at the insensitivity displayed by both the client and the employer. A subreddit moderator even stepped in to offer help, stating, “Take the holiday, whatever number of days you require. If they fire, terminate, or take any action against you, we (mod team) are here to help. Your resume will get visibility on the subreddit, our Discord server, and through our HR network.”
Fellow users echoed this support, with one writing, “Your mum needs you now. Forget these corporate jerks. No one should have to make this choice.” Another added, “I think WFH has become a luxury in India. Take the leave. Complete the rituals. These companies will never change.”
Calls Grow for Formal Bereavement Leave Policies in India
The post has reignited a broader conversation about employee wellbeing, particularly the lack of formal bereavement or compassionate leave laws in India. While many Indian families observe extensive mourning rituals following a death, employees are often left at the mercy of their immediate managers when requesting time off.
As rigid return-to-office mandates grow increasingly common across Indian IT firms, stories like this highlight the human cost of inflexible corporate policies. For now, support from online communities appears to be the only recourse for grieving workers facing cold bureaucracy at the workplace.