A woman shared an insensitive workplace incident on Reddit, recounting how she was questioned by her manager for taking leave due to severe menstrual pain. She said she had taken one sick leave each month for three consecutive months as the pain left her dizzy and unable to work effectively. Despite clearly mentioning the reason for her absence in an email, the manager reportedly called her into the office to justify the leave.
He allegedly compared her situation to his wife, saying she continued to work during her periods. When the employee explained that menstrual pain varies from person to person, the manager told her to “increase your pain tolerance,” sparking widespread outrage and debate on social media.
ALSO READ | 'I literally cried before moving', US-born woman shares honest India experience on Reddit
he said "Increase your pain tolerance."
byu/Appropriate-Panic936 inIndianWorkplace
Netizens share their views
Some users advised her to take the matter to HR or to any higher authorities, arguing that medical leave should not be questioned or trivialised. Another user advised not to explain medical leaves because employees have the right to take sick leave for health reasons.
ALSO READ | ‘Should focus on in-laws’: Delhi man’s views on ‘acchi bahu’ ignite online debate on gender roles
The employee commented later that she had resigned from the company. She added that her manager now plans to deduct the cost of a work-related course from her final settlement, claiming she did not complete it properly. She added that this condition was never mentioned in her offer letter.
She further explained that the company is run by her manager’s family, and because of this, she feels that approaching HR or senior management would not be helpful.
