A day after Karnataka was praised for introducing paid menstrual leave for women, a disturbing story from Bengaluru has sparked debate online.
A female IT employee asked to work from home for a month to care for her injured mother. She submitted medical documents and a police complaint to support her request, but her company denied it and ordered her to continue working from the office.
The company’s refusal has angered many on social media. People are questioning how organisations can speak about inclusivity and employee care while showing so little empathy in real situations.
Many pointed out that employees successfully worked from home during the pandemic. Denying such a genuine request, they said, proves that some firms value rules over compassion.
The contrast between Karnataka’s progressive policy and the company’s rigid stance has upset many users. They believe real progress begins when workplaces show humanity, not just when laws are passed.
Rules matter, but empathy and flexibility define a truly progressive workplace. Treating employees with understanding isn’t an exception—it should be the standard.
