Employee Asks Leave to Spend Time With Girlfriend—Boss’s Response Shocks Internet

A simple leave email has turned into a talking point on LinkedIn, igniting discussions around honesty, empathy, and evolving workplace norms.The conversation began after Viren Khuller, director at an oral care brand, shared a screenshot of an employee’s leave request that many found refreshingly candid. Instead of the usual vague explanation, the employee openly requested a day off on December 16 to spend time with his girlfriend before she travelled to her hometown in Uttarakhand.In the email, the employee explained that his girlfriend was scheduled to leave on December 17 and would not return until early January. Wanting to make the most of their remaining time together, he requested the leave well in advance, keeping the message polite, direct,

and transparent about his reason.Posting the screenshot, Khuller reflected on how such situations were handled earlier.“Received this in my inbox recently. A decade ago, this would’ve come as a sudden ‘sick leave’ message at 9:15 AM. Today, it’s a transparent request sent well in advance. Times are changing,” he wrote. He added that he personally appreciated this shift, noting that clarity and prior notice made it easier to support employees. He concluded with a light-hearted approval: “Can’t say no to love, can we? Leave approved!”

The post quickly gained traction, with many professionals applauding both the employee’s honesty and the manager’s response. Several users described it as a positive sign of workplaces becoming more human, trusting, and understanding.Others pointed out that the moment highlighted a generational change in attitudes towards work-life balance. Instead of masking personal needs with formal excuses, employees today appear more comfortable being upfront—especially in environments that value openness and mutual respect.Though the post itself was brief, it sparked a wider conversation about shifting expectations in professional spaces. At a time when burnout and workplace stress are widely discussed, Khuller’s post stood out as a small but meaningful reminder that transparency, compassion, and trust can go a long way in shaping healthier work cultures.