Employee requested a two-day holiday. Manager's two-word reply is winning the Internet

On a forum often filled with stories of toxic workplaces and difficult bosses, one Reddit post broke the pattern — it celebrated kindness instead of criticizing authority. Shared on the subreddit Indian Workplace, the post featured a screenshot of an employee informing his manager about a two-day trip to Goa to attend his cousin’s wedding. The employee mentioned that he would still remain reachable via email and Microsoft Teams through his phone in case of any urgent work matters.

What caught everyone’s attention, however, was not the message itself but the manager’s response. Instead of questioning the timing or demanding further justification, the manager simply replied with a warm and encouraging note that reflected genuine understanding. This simple gesture of trust and empathy stood out amid the usual tales of overbearing supervisors and rigid corporate culture.

The post quickly gained traction online, drawing thousands of reactions from users who admired the manager’s considerate attitude. Many shared how refreshing it was to see a leader prioritize humanity over micromanagement. One commenter said their own supervisor had a similar mindset, recalling how they were once discussing a road trip with colleagues when the manager enthusiastically began suggesting the best routes to take. The user described their boss as a truly kind-hearted person who made work feel less stressful.

Another Redditor shared an incident from their previous project, where they led a team under a strict manager during a crucial production release. One of the junior team members, a fresher, had long-standing plans to travel with friends during the same period. Despite pressure from their superior to cancel the trip, the team lead supported the fresher, volunteering to handle all the quality assurance tasks in his absence. They explained that everyone deserves to enjoy their personal life and that once, they too were newcomers who valued such experiences.

This Reddit post has since gone viral, resonating deeply with readers as a reminder that empathy, understanding, and compassion are what truly define great leadership in today’s workplaces.