Festivals are meant to bring families together, but for some employees, getting a day off from work can become a major challenge. A recent Reddit post has sparked a discussion online after an employee claimed that their boss refused to approve leave for Dhanteras despite having several unused paid leaves. The employee reportedly had not used any paid leave so far and was surprised when the manager refused the request. The incident has once again raised questions about workplace culture, employee rights and the importance of work-life balance in India.
Employee Says Boss Refused Dhanteras Leave
The employee shared their experience on Reddit, explaining that they had requested one day of leave to celebrate Dhanteras. However, their manager reportedly refused to approve the request.
What made the situation more frustrating was that the employee had accumulated paid leave but was still unable to use it when needed.
The employee questioned why they could not use their own paid leave. After all, paid leave is an important part of an employee’s benefits, allowing workers to take time off for personal commitments, family occasions and rest.
The incident attracted attention because Dhanteras is an important festival for many Indian families. People celebrate the occasion by purchasing gold, silver, utensils and other items. Families also make preparations for Diwali, and spending time together is important for many households.
October Leave Request Was Also Rejected
According to the employee’s Reddit post, this was not the first time their leave request had been rejected.
The employee reportedly requested four days of leave in October, but the manager turned down the request, citing heavy workload.
The employee said they had not used their accumulated paid leave despite continuing to work regularly.
Repeated rejections reportedly made the employee question whether their efforts were being valued by the organisation.
For many workers, unused leave is not simply a number displayed on an HR portal. It represents time they have earned and hope to use for personal responsibilities, family functions or much-needed breaks.
When leave requests are repeatedly rejected, employees may begin to feel that their personal lives are receiving little importance.
Employee Claims Responsibilities Increased Without Salary Hike
Another important part of the employee’s post was about their growing responsibilities at work.
The employee reportedly claimed that they had taken on additional duties to support the company’s growth. They were handling responsibilities across different departments and also meeting customers.
Despite taking on more work, the employee claimed that there had been no corresponding salary increase.
This situation added to their frustration because they felt they were contributing more to the organisation without receiving proper recognition.
In many Indian workplaces, employees are sometimes expected to handle multiple responsibilities without a clear discussion about additional compensation.
While taking on new challenges can help employees develop professionally, companies should also recognise their contributions through fair appraisals, promotions and reasonable workload distribution.
Reddit Users Suggest Approaching HR
The employee’s experience triggered discussions among Reddit users, with several people sharing their opinions about the manager’s reported behaviour.
Some users suggested approaching the company’s HR department and explaining the repeated rejection of leave requests.
Others felt the employee should reconsider continuing with an organisation where their contributions and personal requirements were seemingly not being respected.
Some commenters even suggested exploring better career opportunities rather than remaining in a workplace that does not offer a healthy professional environment.
The discussion also highlighted a common concern among employees: companies often expect workers to show commitment and flexibility, but employees also expect understanding and support when they need time away from work.
Can a Company Reject Paid Leave in India?
The incident has also brought attention to an important question about employee rights in India.
Can a manager simply reject an employee’s paid leave request?
The answer depends on the applicable employment laws, the employee’s category of work, the state where the establishment operates and the company’s leave policy.
Paid leave, including earned leave, is governed by applicable labour laws and employment rules. Different provisions may apply to factories, shops and commercial establishments.
However, having unused paid leave does not always mean an employee can take any particular day off without following the company’s approval process.
Employers may have reasonable operational requirements when considering leave dates. At the same time, leave policies should be applied fairly and employees should have a reasonable opportunity to use their eligible leave.
Employees facing repeated rejections can check their appointment letter, employee handbook and applicable state rules. They can also raise the matter with HR or seek appropriate labour-law guidance if they believe their legal entitlements are being violated.
Why Work-Life Balance Matters During Indian Festivals
India has a busy working culture, and many employees already manage long working hours, deadlines, travel and family responsibilities.
Festivals such as Diwali, Dhanteras, Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid and Christmas are important occasions for people to spend time with their loved ones.
For employees living away from their hometowns, even one additional day of leave can make a big difference. It may help them travel home, participate in family celebrations or simply enjoy a break after months of work.
Companies also have business requirements, especially during busy seasons. However, better workforce planning, advance leave applications and transparent approval policies can help reduce conflicts between employees and management.
A workplace that respects personal time can also build better trust and improve employee satisfaction.
Employees Deserve Respect Beyond Their Monthly Salary
The Reddit discussion highlights an issue that goes beyond one rejected Dhanteras leave request.
Employees do not contribute to an organisation only through their working hours. They bring their skills, experience, ideas and personal commitment to help businesses grow.
In return, they expect fair treatment, reasonable working conditions, professional recognition and the ability to maintain a healthy personal life.
A company cannot always approve every leave request, particularly when several employees want the same day off. But managers should communicate the reasons clearly and explore alternatives instead of making employees feel that their personal needs do not matter.
Ultimately, a good workplace is not just about salaries and targets. It is also about creating an environment where employees feel respected and valued.
The employee’s Reddit post has once again started an important conversation about paid leave and workplace expectations. Whether the situation is resolved or not, one thing is clear: employees want their professional contributions and personal lives to receive equal respect.