A viral Reddit post has sparked widespread debate about workplace culture and remote work etiquette after a CEO issued a “special warning” to an employee for working from home (WFH) without explicit approval.
Employee Claims CEO Scolded Him for Taking Work From Home Without Permission
The controversy began when Reddit user @BeatAdditional3046 shared a screenshot of his chat with the CEO of a foreign startup that operates an office in India.
According to the post, the company had no clear WFH or leave policy. Previously, employees were required to email the manager and HR for approvals. However, after both the manager and HR personnel resigned, all official communication had to be made directly with the CEO.
The employee explained that he had sent a professional email to inform the CEO about working from home due to an injured leg. It was only his second WFH request in seven months, so he believed informing the CEO would suffice.
However, the CEO disagreed, replying that the employee needed to ask for permission instead of merely notifying. The CEO’s message read: “It is not our culture. Very bad. I did not allow you to work from home; you must ask for permission, not just notify.”
The Employee Defends His Decision to Work Remotely After Injury
In his post, the employee clarified that his decision to work from home was prompted by a twisted leg and difficulty in walking. He said that while he informed the CEO about his situation, he did not feel comfortable sharing personal health details in depth.
He also pointed out that his email was written professionally and not casually, adding that this was only the second time in months he had chosen to work remotely. The incident left him surprised at the CEO’s reaction, especially since no formal WFH guidelines were in place.
CEO’s ‘It Is Not Our Culture’ Comment Sparks Debate on Office Hierarchies
The CEO’s statement, “It is not our culture”, became the highlight of the discussion. Many Reddit users criticised the rigid work culture and lack of empathy shown by the leadership. Some compared the reaction to outdated corporate practices where employees were expected to seek approval for even minor decisions.
Others, however, said that in multinational companies, official approval is often mandatory and that the employee should have confirmed the process instead of assuming.
Still, most users felt the CEO’s tone was unnecessarily harsh and that issuing a “special warning” for such a situation seemed extreme.
Reddit Users React with Humour and Sarcasm
As the post gained traction, Redditors flooded the comments with sarcastic and witty remarks aimed at the CEO’s authoritarian response.
One user joked: “Dude, when you switch, which you’ll for sure do in the future, ask for permission to resign just as a joke.”
Another added: “Why don’t you ask permission before posting this on Reddit? A very special warning to you! It is not our culture. Very bad.”
A third comment read: “Bro, you should have asked before working from home. This culture of just notifying doesn’t work here.”
Meanwhile, a few users sided with the CEO, writing that some workplaces do require prior consent for remote work, especially in companies with international operations.
What the Viral Post Reveals About Remote Work Culture in India
This viral Reddit exchange has once again highlighted the ongoing tension between traditional workplace hierarchies and modern work flexibility.
Many professionals in India, particularly those working with foreign startups, often find themselves navigating ambiguous WFH policies and differing expectations around communication and approval.
The incident serves as a reminder for companies to clearly define remote work rules, while also emphasising the need for empathy and trust in modern management practices.
As the conversation around workplace autonomy continues to evolve, employees are increasingly questioning whether the old “permission culture” still fits into today’s hybrid and remote-first world.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Reddit. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.
Employee Claims CEO Scolded Him for Taking Work From Home Without Permission
The controversy began when Reddit user @BeatAdditional3046 shared a screenshot of his chat with the CEO of a foreign startup that operates an office in India.
According to the post, the company had no clear WFH or leave policy. Previously, employees were required to email the manager and HR for approvals. However, after both the manager and HR personnel resigned, all official communication had to be made directly with the CEO.
The employee explained that he had sent a professional email to inform the CEO about working from home due to an injured leg. It was only his second WFH request in seven months, so he believed informing the CEO would suffice.
However, the CEO disagreed, replying that the employee needed to ask for permission instead of merely notifying. The CEO’s message read: “It is not our culture. Very bad. I did not allow you to work from home; you must ask for permission, not just notify.”
The Employee Defends His Decision to Work Remotely After Injury
In his post, the employee clarified that his decision to work from home was prompted by a twisted leg and difficulty in walking. He said that while he informed the CEO about his situation, he did not feel comfortable sharing personal health details in depth.
He also pointed out that his email was written professionally and not casually, adding that this was only the second time in months he had chosen to work remotely. The incident left him surprised at the CEO’s reaction, especially since no formal WFH guidelines were in place.
CEO’s ‘It Is Not Our Culture’ Comment Sparks Debate on Office Hierarchies
The CEO’s statement, “It is not our culture”, became the highlight of the discussion. Many Reddit users criticised the rigid work culture and lack of empathy shown by the leadership. Some compared the reaction to outdated corporate practices where employees were expected to seek approval for even minor decisions.
Others, however, said that in multinational companies, official approval is often mandatory and that the employee should have confirmed the process instead of assuming.
Still, most users felt the CEO’s tone was unnecessarily harsh and that issuing a “special warning” for such a situation seemed extreme.
Reddit Users React with Humour and Sarcasm
As the post gained traction, Redditors flooded the comments with sarcastic and witty remarks aimed at the CEO’s authoritarian response.
One user joked: “Dude, when you switch, which you’ll for sure do in the future, ask for permission to resign just as a joke.”
Another added: “Why don’t you ask permission before posting this on Reddit? A very special warning to you! It is not our culture. Very bad.”
A third comment read: “Bro, you should have asked before working from home. This culture of just notifying doesn’t work here.”
Meanwhile, a few users sided with the CEO, writing that some workplaces do require prior consent for remote work, especially in companies with international operations.
What the Viral Post Reveals About Remote Work Culture in India
This viral Reddit exchange has once again highlighted the ongoing tension between traditional workplace hierarchies and modern work flexibility.
Many professionals in India, particularly those working with foreign startups, often find themselves navigating ambiguous WFH policies and differing expectations around communication and approval.
The incident serves as a reminder for companies to clearly define remote work rules, while also emphasising the need for empathy and trust in modern management practices.
As the conversation around workplace autonomy continues to evolve, employees are increasingly questioning whether the old “permission culture” still fits into today’s hybrid and remote-first world.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Reddit. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.
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