Singapore: A local employee recently shared a distressing experience on Reddit, revealing how her boss publicly reprimanded her for extending her medical leave from two days to four due to worsening health conditions. With a shocking lack of empathy, the director implied that her medical condition was exaggerated, stating that in her 30 years of running a business, she had never witnessed such extensive use of medical leave.

In her post on Thursday (January 9), the employee explained that her initial medical leave was for just two days. However, suffering from chronic migraines and developing a high fever, she found herself needing additional recovery time. To validate her claim, she even provided photographic evidence of her thermometer reading to her manager; unfortunately, her attempts to communicate her genuine illness fell on deaf ears.

The employee recounted a conversation where her boss asked how many medical certificates (MCs) she had accumulated in the year and suggested that she undergo a full body check-up. Instead of showing concern, the boss reacted with sarcasm, saying, “You speak so well.” On the fourth day of her leave, the director sent her a message expressing her frustration about the impact of the employee's absence, stating that her situation was creating a staffing shortfall and forcing other team members to shoulder extra work.

Despite her boss's complaints, the employee clarified that her medical leave was within her rightful entitlements for the year. She described her emotions surrounding the incident as severely disappointing, especially as she is preparing for significant life changes, including collecting keys to her new Build-To-Order (BTO) flat and her wedding next month. “Is this normal workplace behavior, or am I being treated unfairly?” she questioned, seeking advice from the online community.

The response from fellow Reddit users largely leaned towards support for the employee. Many encouraged her to seek employment elsewhere to prioritize her well-being. Comments ranged from personal anecdotes about toxic workplaces to the emphasis on self-care over corporate loyalty. One user urged, "Your life and health should be prioritized over your job."

Interestingly, a small faction of users sided with the employer's skepticism, citing a noticeable trend of employees misusing medical leave. They argued that such measures are a natural reaction to ensure productivity is not disrupted.

In light of this incident, it is essential to clarify the rights of employees in Singapore concerning medical leave. According to the Ministry of Manpower (MoM), employees are entitled to paid outpatient sick leave and paid hospitalisation leave, provided they are covered under the Employment Act, have been with their employer for at least three months, and notify their employer of their absence within 48 hours. Employees can accrue up to 14 paid sick leave days and 60 days of hospitalisation leave, depending on their length of service.

As this example highlights, the dynamics of employer-employee relationships can significantly influence workplace morale and employee health. In today's work environment, prioritizing mental and physical health is more critical than ever, and leaders should foster a culture of trust and support rather than skepticism.