When the world lights up with diyas, some offices still glow with cold fluorescent lights. Not because of dedication, but because of compulsion.
Recently, a young Indian professional shared a heartbreaking experience on Reddit that struck a chord with thousands. Working for a well-known American MNC, she was told she couldn’t work from home during Diwali week; India’s biggest festival. She wasn’t asking for a vacation. She had saved up her leaves and was planning to work remotely from her hometown. But her request was denied because “someone needs to be in the office.”
She broke down in a meeting. Not because of the work. But because, once again, it felt like her culture, emotions, and well-being didn’t matter.
“I understand at the end of the day we’re just cheap labour for them, but God forbid I believe we’d have some policies that treat us like humans,” she wrote.
And this isn’t an isolated incident.
This wasn’t just about one missed trip. It was about being seen. About fairness. About the quiet disrespect that builds up over time. She also pointed out how American and European colleagues get to enjoy spring breaks, Thanksgivings, and Christmases, no questions asked. But for Indian teams, even Diwali, the most important holiday of the year, is treated like just another week.
The Harsh Truth: Toxicity in the Name of “Dedication”
Her post quickly went viral, with other Indian professionals echoing her frustration. Many shared similar experiences, especially in tech and outsourcing companies where the local teams operate in “follow-the-sun” models ~ code for 24/7 availability.
“Most Indian manager flex is not optimal execution. It’s showing off that their team works holidays and weekends,” one commenter said.
Another commented:
“Work can wait. Family won’t be around forever.”
The comment threads weren’t just a venting ground. They were full of a deep, collective fatigue and a desire for change. This is not just bad management. It’s Workplace Toxicity.
It’s emotional outsourcing.
It’s what happens when companies adopt global language, but not local empathy.
So Why Does This Keep Happening?
Because somewhere along the way, dedication was rebranded as availability. And availability was twisted into obedience. Indian teams, often praised for being “hardworking” and “resilient,” are silently expected to sacrifice personal time, family events, and even religious holidays in the name of deliverables.
And managers, especially those groomed in the same grind culture, rarely push back. Instead, they internalize the same hustle values and pass them down.
The result? Burnout, broken morale, and brilliant people who start to wonder if they matter at all.
The Fix Isn’t Just Policy. It’s People.
Let’s be clear, this isn’t just about leave policies or hybrid work flexibility. It’s about leadership that lacks empathy. It’s about companies that say “people first” in presentations while onboarding but forget it in practice.
If your employee is in tears because she can’t go home for Diwali, something is seriously wrong.
Diwali is not just a holiday. It’s home. It’s family. It’s once a year.
If your culture can’t respect that, what are you really building?
This Diwali, let’s rethink what it means to value your employees.
As a leader, if you can’t make space for your team to be with their families during major festivals, especially in a country where those moments mean everything, you’ve lost the plot.
And if you’re working in these conditions and feel unseen, you’re not alone. But this shouldn’t be the norm. This isn’t just the cost of being in tech. It’s the cost of ignoring what matters most: people.
If you’re building for the future, build with empathy.
Because working late is not loyalty.
And missing festivals is not commitment.
It’s burnout. It’s neglect. It’s bad leadership.
Let’s Build a Culture That Cares
Employers: Now is the Time to Change
If you’re a founder, manager, or business leader reading this, ask yourself:
- Does your team feel safe asking for time off?
- Are your workplace policies inclusive of Indian festivals and cultural nuances?
- Are you rewarding output or just presence?
You don’t build loyalty with fear. You build it with empathy.
And that’s where we, at Netment Staffing, step in. We help companies create more inclusive, empathetic, and future-ready workplaces – not just by hiring the right talent, but by nurturing the right mindset.
Employees: Your Wellbeing Is Not a Luxury
To every Indian professional who feels unseen or unheard- please know, you deserve better.
You are not just “resources.” You are human. And festivals like Diwali are not just holidays – they are a deep emotional connection to home, family, and culture.
To everyone who’s been in her shoes.
Who’s missed a festival.
Who’s skipped a ritual.
Who’s chosen Excel sheets over childhood memories.
I see you. I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that.
You don’t have to choose between work and family. You deserve both.
Never settle for less than human-first culture.
The Future of Work Needs Humanity
It’s 2025. The conversation should no longer be about “Why do you need leave?”
It should be, “How can we support you better?”
It’s time we stop glorifying burnout and start celebrating balance.
At Netment Staffing, we believe:
- Festival leaves are not a luxury.
- Employee wellbeing is not optional.
- Respect shouldn’t depend on geography.
The future of work needs more empathy, not policies.
If this hit you, drop a comment. Tell your story. You’re not alone.
𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲. 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘂𝗽
Because no one should have to cry in a meeting just for wanting to go home for Diwali!
#WorkplaceWellbeing #ToxicWorkCulture #FestivalLeavesMatter #IndianWorkforce #HRLeadership #RespectAtWork #DiwaliWorkCulture #NetmentStaffing #PeopleOverPolicies #FutureOfWork #LinkedInVoices #EmpathyAtWork #Diwali2025
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