Introduction

In a startling revelation from Singapore, a local employee has taken to social media to expose how her manager reprimanded her for extending her medical leave from two to four days, accusing her of dishonesty regarding her health condition. This unusual incident has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and debate about workplace policies regarding sick leave.

The Incident

The employee recounted her experience on Reddit's popular ‘Ask Singapore’ forum, detailing how her initial two-day medical leave was insufficient due to a severe migraine and a sudden high fever. Despite providing her boss with evidence—such as a photo of her feverish thermometer—the director of the family-run business remained skeptical and confrontational.

Confrontation with the Boss

In her post, the employee recalls the director’s probing questions about her sick leave history since January 2024 and even suggested she undergo a full medical checkup. The boss's sarcastic comment—“You speak so well”—left her feeling belittled, as if her genuine health struggles were being dismissed as an excuse.

Repercussions

Even after four days of documented illness, the director judged her actions harshly, saying that in her extensive 30-year career, she had never encountered an employee extending medical leave in this manner. Moreover, the manager added that her absence was causing operational strain, leading to potential overtime for her colleagues, which added to the employee's distress.

Employee's Assurance

Clarifying her situation, she assured that she did not exceed her entitled medical leave, an important distinction that showcased her commitment to honesty throughout this ordeal. “This experience has been deeply upsetting,” she lamented, highlighting upcoming personal milestones like collecting the keys to her Build-To-Order (BTO) flat and her imminent wedding.

Community Response

The Reddit community's response was overwhelming—many urged the employee to seek new opportunities elsewhere, arguing that her well-being should come before her job. One supportive commenter shared their own troubling experience in a toxic workplace, stressing the importance of prioritizing health and happiness over corporate loyalty. Another pointed out the absurdity of a director who had spent three decades in one company claiming to know everything about employee behavior.

Dissenting Perspectives

However, there were some dissenting voices that held the opposite view. A few commenters expressed empathy for the employer's wariness, arguing that rampant misuse of sick leave has made businesses increasingly skeptical of employees’ claims. They suggested that while employees deserve sick leave, there needs to be accountability on both sides.

Legal Context

The Ministry of Manpower (MoM) in Singapore stipulates that employees are entitled to paid outpatient sick leave and paid hospitalization leave if they have been with an employer for at least three months and follow proper notification procedures. Eligible employees can take up to 14 days of paid outpatient sick leave and up to 60 days of paid hospitalization leave, depending on their duration of service.

Conclusion

With debates swirling around sick leave policies and workplace expectations, this Singaporean employee’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of understanding and compassion within the workforce. As these conversations evolve, employers may need to reflect on their practices and attitudes towards employees' health—after all, a happy employee is often a productive one!