Among countless posts detailing unpleasant workplace experiences on the Indian Workplace subreddit, one story highlighting genuine managerial kindness has stood out and gathered praise. A Reddit user shared how, during an extremely distressing day when his dog passed away and his mother was injured in an accident, he informed his supervisor that he needed to leave midway through the day. Instead of questioning him or insisting on work updates, his manager told him to prioritise his family, sort out the situation at home, and apply for leave once everything was under control.
Later, when he updated her that his mother had severely twisted her foot and required hospital admission, she reassured him that the project assigned to him could wait until he returned. She insisted he direct all his attention toward his family rather than stress over deadlines.
He also posted a screenshot of their chat, explaining how unusual it felt to encounter such humanity in a space often filled with stories of toxic office environments and harsh supervisors. He described her as someone who actively encourages time off and becomes firm whenever employees attempt to work during their leave.
Although she maintains high expectations regarding work quality and has corrected him whenever he became careless, she has never crossed the line into disrespect. According to him, she offers guidance when he feels lost, and he considers himself fortunate to be part of an organization where the culture supports both discipline and empathy. While she might not be outwardly warm, he believes she is an exceptional leader—one he hopes to emulate in the future. His purpose in sharing the experience was to remind everyone that while poor managers exist, there are truly admirable ones as well.
Responses began pouring in. One commenter noted that the responsibility for a healthy office atmosphere rests with both supervisors and employees, adding that some individuals take advantage of kindness and then complain when consequences follow. Another pointed out that the behaviour described actually reflects fundamental managerial standards, and the fact that it feels exceptional says a lot about how low expectations have become. Encouraging rest and supporting employees during crises, they said, should be normal, not extraordinary.
Other users expressed happiness for him, adding that this is precisely how a compassionate workplace should function—leaders treating their teams with humanity, and employees recognising that empathy. Another shared their own experience of mentoring an intern who deeply valued the kindness shown to her, which motivated them to continue practising empathy. They hoped the original poster would express appreciation to his manager directly so she feels acknowledged.
Later, when he updated her that his mother had severely twisted her foot and required hospital admission, she reassured him that the project assigned to him could wait until he returned. She insisted he direct all his attention toward his family rather than stress over deadlines.
He also posted a screenshot of their chat, explaining how unusual it felt to encounter such humanity in a space often filled with stories of toxic office environments and harsh supervisors. He described her as someone who actively encourages time off and becomes firm whenever employees attempt to work during their leave.
Although she maintains high expectations regarding work quality and has corrected him whenever he became careless, she has never crossed the line into disrespect. According to him, she offers guidance when he feels lost, and he considers himself fortunate to be part of an organization where the culture supports both discipline and empathy. While she might not be outwardly warm, he believes she is an exceptional leader—one he hopes to emulate in the future. His purpose in sharing the experience was to remind everyone that while poor managers exist, there are truly admirable ones as well.
Responses began pouring in. One commenter noted that the responsibility for a healthy office atmosphere rests with both supervisors and employees, adding that some individuals take advantage of kindness and then complain when consequences follow. Another pointed out that the behaviour described actually reflects fundamental managerial standards, and the fact that it feels exceptional says a lot about how low expectations have become. Encouraging rest and supporting employees during crises, they said, should be normal, not extraordinary.
Other users expressed happiness for him, adding that this is precisely how a compassionate workplace should function—leaders treating their teams with humanity, and employees recognising that empathy. Another shared their own experience of mentoring an intern who deeply valued the kindness shown to her, which motivated them to continue practising empathy. They hoped the original poster would express appreciation to his manager directly so she feels acknowledged.