A Gen Z employee at a UK-based company shared a Reddit post detailing how his Indian manager’s extreme control over the team ultimately backfired in a dramatic way. What started as suffocating micromanagement ended with the manager turning off his camera mid-call, leaving the employee feeling vindicated.
From Routine to Ruin: How Management Style Changed Overnight
Two years ago, the team operated smoothly under a German manager. Everything changed when an Indian manager took over, introducing strict policies that made the work environment stifling. Employees had to log every break, were allowed only two 30-minute breaks per day, and endured three-hour standups that drained the team.
The employee, born in 2000 and identifying as Gen Z, said he was somewhat insulated since most of his work involved UK colleagues. However, others on the team were not so lucky. Things escalated when he received WhatsApp calls demanding his presence on a project call while he was officially on leave.
He reluctantly joined the call, only to be asked by his programme manager, “Why are you even here?”. When he explained that his manager forced him to attend, colleagues immediately responded, “This kind of stuff wouldn’t fly with UK HR,” prompting the Indian manager to abruptly turn off his camera.
Employees Speak Out: A Broader Pattern of Toxic Management
The incident escalated further when a German director intervened, instructing the employee to close his laptop and leave. Later, the manager accused him of “manipulating people” and “destroying his image,” but the Redditor celebrated being vindicated in front of the team.
Many employees commented, sharing similar experiences. Some admitted they had considered raising concerns with directors or BU heads but preferred quietly transferring to another team—a process that can take almost a year. Others criticized broader workplace practices, noting, “The bigger problem lies in the Indian workplace culture itself, where poor management practices are rampant.” A senior employee highlighted that many middle managers are former techies with minimal leadership training, which can harm the reputation of Indian management.
Some employees also offered tips for surviving such environments. Top performers who maintain strong relationships with project managers and senior leadership often ensure that feedback reaches higher-ups, limiting a manager’s power to misuse tactics like PIP.
Additionally, several Redditors pointed out that such managers often use a “kiss up, kick down” approach, gaining praise from superiors while maximizing output from juniors, even if it comes at the cost of morale and trust.
The post has since sparked a wider conversation about micromanagement, the differences in workplace culture across regions, and the unique challenges faced by Gen Z employees navigating hierarchical teams.
Disclaimer: This story is based on a post shared by a Reddit User. The details, opinions, and statements quoted herein belong solely to the original poster and do not reflect the views of Financialexpress.com. We have not independently verified the claims.