He requested WFH for family emergency; boss calls it 'unacceptable'

In a post-COVID world where remote and hybrid work have become increasingly common in workplaces, disputes between employees and managers over flexibility persist. While many companies have adopted formal policies that allow remote work in certain situations, team-level practices and managerial discretion often create friction. A recent case shared on Reddit came to light, where an employee’s request to work from home due to a family emergency was turned down, with the manager calling the reason “unacceptable” and even asking for past in-office attendance records.

The Employee’s Situation

The employee, who works in analytics at a multinational corporation, said he has been with the company for over three years. While the organisation provides 45 paid leaves, 12 public holidays, and a hybrid structure with two mandatory office days each week, the employee claimed that his team follows stricter rules. These include allowing only 27 total leaves per year and requiring three office days a week, with a minimum of 100 hours or 12 days in the office every month.

In an email, the employee explained that an unexpected family matter involving police intervention had created significant stress, making it necessary for him to stay home for several months. In an email to his manager, he requested work-from-home approval for that period, adding that he had managed his responsibilities effectively during past remote stints and had consistently followed company policies.

The Manager’s Response

Responding, the manager declined the request and demanded more clarity. He asked the employee to specify the exact duration of the work-from-home arrangement and provide records of his office attendance for the previous three months. The manager also questioned whether any prior absences had been compensated for.

He further noted that he was not aware of any approvals or exceptions regarding such requests and emphasized that all employees in his portfolio were expected to perform without disruption. The message concluded by stating that the reason given by the employee was not acceptable and should not be used again as a justification.

Online Reactions

The post generated strong reactions on Reddit. Some users advised the employee to approach human resources with proper documentation, such as a redacted police report, and to provide a clear timeline instead of vague terms like “a few months.” Others suggested arranging a meeting with both the line manager and the on-site manager, who was reportedly supportive of the remote arrangement, to mediate the situation.

Several comments stressed that such sensitive discussions should be handled in person rather than solely through email. Others pointed out that managers often need formal documentation to approve exceptions, while some argued that the response reflected micromanagement and a lack of empathy during a personal crisis.