In a startling revelation, an Indian employee shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation with their boss. In it, the manager demanded the employee’s live location to approve sick leave. Consequently, the incident reignited discussions about workplace culture and privacy in India.
Sick Leave Request Turns Controversial
The employee suffered from a severe headache and first applied for a one-day sick leave. When the illness persisted the next day, they requested an additional day off.
Instead of approving the leave, the boss told the employee to contact the Human Resources (HR) department first. HR asked them to submit proper documentation to justify the absence.
Although documentation is standard in many companies, the situation escalated quickly. The boss then demanded that the employee share their live location via WhatsApp. When the employee asked why, the boss responded that company policy required it.
Social Media Outrage
Following this, the employee posted the screenshot on Reddit under the title, Is it right to ask for a live location? The post quickly went viral, attracting thousands of comments from India and abroad.
Many users criticized the move as an excessive invasion of privacy. One wrote, If I am sick and want to rest, do I have to send photos of my illness to get leave approved?
In addition, others argued that such practices could damage workplace trust. They noted it raises serious questions about where managerial oversight ends and personal privacy begins.
Context: Privacy and Work Culture in India
India’s corporate environment has faced growing scrutiny in recent years. Reports highlighted excessive monitoring, demanding productivity targets, and blurred boundaries between work and personal life.
Although no nationwide law currently bans employers from requesting location data, privacy experts warned that such practices may violate the Information Technology Act, 2000, which protects personal data.
Moreover, flexible work arrangements became common after the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote work increased significantly, yet incidents like this demonstrate ongoing tension between managerial control and employee privacy.
Public Debate and Employee Rights
As a result of the viral post, a heated debate emerged online. Many argued that mandatory live location tracking is invasive and unnecessary. Critics emphasized that it undermines trust and may discourage employees from reporting genuine illness.
Labour rights activists also highlighted a broader issue. They urged companies to create clear policies that respect privacy. One expert stated, Requiring live location to approve sick leave sets a dangerous precedent. It risks normalizing surveillance under the guise of policy.
Consequently, this episode became a case study in the challenges facing modern Indian workplaces. It also reflects global concerns about digital monitoring and the balance between accountability and personal freedom at work.
Conclusion
The incident went viral and sparked a broader discussion on ethical workplace practices, employee rights, and privacy. Employees now ask themselves: How much oversight is reasonable, and when does managerial control become intrusive? Meanwhile, employers must remember that enforcing policies requires respect for personal boundaries.
