Intern's Distressing Experience

In a shocking revelation, a young intern in Singapore has shared her distressing experience on Reddit, highlighting how the pressure from her HR department led her to work while severely ill. This incident has raised questions about the treatment of interns in the corporate world, where the wellness of employees often seems sidelined.

The Intern's Ordeal

The intern detailed her ordeal, stating that after taking a medical leave (MC) previously, she was met with eye rolls and disapproving glares from her HR representative. "I went to work super sick and was really shivering because the aircon was so cold, and I literally looked like I was dying," she recounted. This lack of understanding and support from her seniors left her feeling alone, with only her fellow intern showing any signs of concern.

Negative HR Attitude

What’s more disheartening is the intern’s description of her HR personnel, who seemed to harbor a negative view of interns altogether, labeling them as "lazy and untrustworthy." This attitude seemed unfair to the intern, who was meeting her work expectations and performing well despite feeling unwell. She expressed her frustration, questioning if this was the future that awaited her in the Singaporean workforce.

Health Impacts of Workplace Stress

The stress from her role reportedly exacerbated her health issues, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and insomnia. "With the lack of sleep and crazy work hours, I don’t know if I’ll even survive till the end of my internship," she lamented.

Reddit Debate

The conversation sparked a debate among Reddit users, with many sharing similar experiences, particularly within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Some users underscored the harsh reality of corporate life, advising the intern to maintain a professional distance from colleagues. "They’re your colleagues, not your friends, and definitely not your family," one commenter warned.

Criticism of the Intern

However, others criticized the intern for what they perceived as immaturity, arguing that in a professional environment, individuals must recognize when to prioritize their health. "This is a part of work experience," one user remarked, highlighting the importance of navigating difficult personalities and office dynamics.

Employer's Health Policies

Further complicating the situation in Singaporean workplaces, another worker on social media expressed frustration over his employer’s refusal to pay for four days of medical leave, despite being eligible according to the employee handbook and Ministry of Manpower regulations. His plight echoes a growing sentiment that workers, especially during probation, may face undue scrutiny when it comes to their health rights.

A Call for Change

This intern's story serves as a wake-up call for both employers and employees regarding workplace culture and the importance of mental and physical well-being. Is this the reality that today's workforce must contend with? It raises a pressing question: what needs to change to ensure a healthier, more supportive working environment for everyone?

Conclusion

Stay tuned as we follow this developing topic, shedding light on the unsung struggles of employees and the pressing need for reform in workplace policies across Singapore.