A new discussion about work culture, communication, and Delhi's deteriorating pollution has been sparked by a Gen Z employee's direct sick-leave message to his boss. The exchange, shared by a millennial employer on X, has gone viral with users split over whether the message was rude or refreshingly straightforward.
The boss posted a screenshot of the brief WhatsApp conversation in which his employee wrote: “I won’t be able to work today. My eyes are burning.” The boss replied simply: “Ok.”
He then captioned the screenshot: “Amid severe Delhi pollution, I received an order from my employee today. GenZ is really straightforward!”
The post immediately triggered conversations about health, hierarchy and communication styles in urban workplaces.
‘No drama, just honesty’: Internet sides with employee
A large number of users found nothing wrong with the message, arguing that the employee was merely stating a health issue caused by Delhi’s hazardous air quality. One user wrote: “How is this an order? He just informed. If he is sick, he is sick.” Another said: “Love how straightforward they are. No drama, no excuses, just honesty.”
Others pointed out how normalising direct communication could improve India’s work culture, with a comment reading:
“The day people take it as normal, Indian work culture will be better.” Another user added: “This is not a request or an order, it’s plain communication.”
Some defend the boss, say tone felt ‘bossy’
While most backed the employee, a few noted that the message appeared curt.
One comment read: “His message sounds like he’s bossy.” The boss himself replied humorously: “GenZ doesn’t believe in taking orders, they prefer to give orders!”
Pollution concerns fuel the conversation
Many users shifted the discussion to Delhi’s severe pollution, which has led to a spike in respiratory and eye-related complaints. A user noted: “I predict a drastic increase in such cases. Sick leaves due to air pollution will rise.”
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The boss also commented on the broader crisis:
“Even we founders are falling sick but still dragging ourselves to work every day. Delhi’s air is getting worse. It’s an emergency now, yet no one seems to care.” To this, another user responded sharply: “True that and nobody forced you to be a founder.”
The viral moment has once again spotlighted the clash of communication styles across generations and the growing health toll of Delhi’s air.
