An Indian employee recently shared a post on Reddit that revealed their manager’s strict stance on employee breaks, sparking widespread criticism online. The employee uploaded screenshots from an office group chat showing the manager scolding workers for taking breaks longer than the mandated 60 minutes per day.
The post, titled “Boss thrashed co-worker for taking 25 minutes extra break,” highlighted the manager’s rigid instructions. In the messages, the manager explained that any break, including restroom visits, should be deducted from the total 60 minutes allocated for the day.
“When you guys take a break for 10-15 minutes, you need to take the next break [keeping in mind] 60 minutes minus the previous break. The total break in a day should not exceed 60 minutes. Hope that’s okay,” the manager said.
One employee was called out for taking a 27-minute break over their allocated time. They explained that the need to notify the manager for every break, including toilet visits, caused the overage.
Another employee requested an additional 10-minute break for restroom use, but the manager’s response was a firm no.
The post sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many users expressing frustration over the manager’s micromanagement. Several compared the work environment to a school, highlighting how the rigid break policy resembled the need for permission even for basic needs.
Others questioned the company’s obsession with strict break times, arguing that it stifled productivity and morale. Some noted that senior leaders typically focus on larger responsibilities rather than monitoring minor break violations, making the manager’s behaviour seem excessive. The incident raised concerns about workplace policies and employee autonomy.
The incident has sparked discussions around break policies, micromanagement, and employee well-being in the workplace. Many are calling for companies to adopt more flexible and humane approaches to work-life balance.
