Introduction

In a shocking revelation that has sparked a heated debate online, a Singapore intern recently shared her distressing encounter with workplace culture on the Reddit forum r/SGexams. She revealed that she felt compelled to attend work while seriously ill due to unfavorable reactions from her Human Resources (HR) department when she previously took medical leave.

The Intern's Experience

The intern described her experience: “After taking sick leave earlier, the HR representative rolled her eyes at me and gave me uncomfortable stares,” she lamented. “I found myself at the office, shivering due to the cold air conditioning, looking as if I was on the brink of collapse.”

Lack of Support

Despite her grave condition, it appeared that no one in the office took notice, except for a fellow intern who expressed genuine concern. “Only my intern friend checked on my temperature and tried to keep me warm,” she said, highlighting the stark contrast between the care from a peer and the indifference from her superiors.

Workplace Culture Reflection

This incident raised a critical question in her mind: “Is this the reality of the Singaporean workforce?” Frustrated, she noted that the HR personnel seemed to harbor a strong dislike for interns, viewing them as “lazy and untrustworthy.” She felt this perception was unwarranted, especially since she had been performing well in her assigned tasks.

Impact on Health

Her mental and physical health began to decline under the pressure, leading to irregular periods and insomnia. “The stress from the job is overwhelming,” she added, “I don’t know how much longer I can last as an intern.”

Community Reactions

In response to her post, many Singaporean Redditors recounted similar tales, especially within smaller enterprises (SMEs), affirming that such treatment is not uncommon. One user advised her to remember that colleagues are not friends or family, implying the competitive nature of corporate environments. “In the workforce, promotions and bonuses are at stake,” the commenter asserted.

Diverse Perspectives

Conversely, some users critiqued the intern’s approach, arguing that in professional settings, individuals have to take responsibility for their wellbeing, including knowing when to take leave. “This is a part of gaining work experience,” one user pointed out, suggesting that learning to navigate difficult personalities is integral to professional growth.

Related Issues

Additionally, in a related issue, another Singaporean worker sought assistance on social media after being denied pay for four days of medical leave by his employer. Despite being eligible based on the employee handbook and Ministry of Manpower regulations, HR insisted that it was standard practice not to receive pay during probationary periods.

Conclusion

This raises pressing questions about workforce treatment and employee rights in Singapore. As debates continue online, both interns and experienced workers alike are urged to advocate for their rights and wellbeing amidst challenging workplace dynamics.

Future Outlook

Stay tuned: Will Singaporean companies change their stance on employee health and wellness?