Delhi man injures leg in accident, boss asks for photo proof: 'But things got worse...'

The Delhi man added that he was humiliated in a WhatsApp group after asking for leave. (AI-generated image)

A Delhi man who claims to be a former front office associate at a popular five-star hotel in New Delhi has alleged that his manager demanded a photo of his leg injury after a bike accident before approving leave.

The employee shared his experience on Reddit, saying he met with an accident last month and immediately informed his workplace because he “genuinely couldn’t walk properly.” Later that evening, one of the managers allegedly called him and asked for a photo of the injury as “proof.” “It felt humiliating but I still sent it because I was in pain and didn’t want to argue,” he wrote.

Despite receiving the photo, the manager reportedly asked if he could report to work the next day. When he requested leave, he was told to either submit a medical certificate or show up for his shift.

Humiliating messages shared on WhatsApp group

Screenshots of the WhatsApp conversation show a manager posting in the group: “I’m still waiting for your acknowledgement. Don’t get ahead of yourself thinking that you can take leaves whenever you want and then not respond to messages and call. Once you report we will be sitting at HR along with [name]. This is for everyone. Do not take things for granted now.”

The employee replied: “I met with an accident that’s why I had to take leave. I have been asked to send photos for proof which is completely wrong… My leg was injured yesterday, I was not able to walk properly. How was I supposed to come with a broken leg?”

Salary held, removed from roster

According to the post, during the three days of leave he requested, the hotel allegedly withheld his salary and removed him from the roster. “They acted like I was the irresponsible one for prioritising my health,” he wrote, adding that he eventually stopped going to work.

Others from hospitality say 'entire industry is horrific'

Reacting to the post, a Reddit user lauded the employee's courage and commented, "GenZ will break down the toxic Indian work culture." Another added, "This is one of the biggest reasons why lakhs of people left the hospitality industry after Covid. Many people, when they gain two years of experience, run abroad for hospitality-related jobs. Even during industrial training, college students are made to work 13 to 14 hours, because of which many students don't go for hotel jobs."

Commenting on the hospitality industry, another Reddit user wrote, "In my case, I often had to work for 16-17 hours as an intern. No offs as well. I could only take a leave if a superior allowed one. The entire industry is horrific."

The story is based on an account shared on Reddit. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the claims.