SINGAPORE: A Shocking Experience

A Singaporean employee has recently opened up about a shocking experience that led to her termination from a job — all because of her vacation posts on Instagram while she was on leave.

In a post that went viral on the NUSWhispers Facebook page, the anonymous worker recounted how she was enjoying a trip abroad when her boss unexpectedly reached out with a work request. Instead of enjoying her well-deserved break, she was instructed to edit and post social media content for her company.

"I usually handle these assignments quickly when I'm in the right mindset, and I assured my boss I would have it done in a few days. After all, I was on leave," she explained. Yet, concerned for her small-team company, she decided to go ahead and complete the work ahead of schedule, submitting it on the second day of her leave.

However, her attempt to show dedication backfired. Upon submission, the employee faced a furious reprimand from her boss, who accused her of being selfish for posting about her trip on social media rather than prioritizing company work. "I defended my position, stating that I did submit the work within a reasonable time frame," she said, highlighting that her vacation posts did not interfere with her work responsibilities.

The altercation escalated, leading to the unexpected news that she was no longer welcome to return to her job. "I feel utterly treated unfairly and am now left unemployed," she expressed, seeking advice on how to move forward from this distressing situation.

Many internet users jumped to her defense in the comments, labeling her dismissal as potentially unlawful and urging her to report her case to the Ministry of Manpower (MoM). "Don't just go back to work; report them! No employer should treat their employees this way," one commenter advised.

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about workplace etiquette and boundaries, with several users suggesting that employees should reconsider their social media connections with their bosses. Comments such as "Never add your boss on social media! Work is not your entire life," echoed across the thread.

Know Your Rights: Wrongful Dismissal Procedures

For employees facing wrongful termination, the Ministry of Manpower encourages filing claims with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM). It’s crucial to submit claims within one month from the last working day, especially if the dismissal occurred without a notice period. If unresolved at TADM, issues can be escalated to the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT), which will evaluate the circumstances and potentially require employers to reinstate the employee or offer compensation.

This story serves as a striking reminder of the complexities that arise between personal lives and professional responsibilities, especially in an era where social media plays such a significant role. So, can your vacation photos really cost you your job? Tell us what you think!