‘Had a breakup, need a break’: CEO shares employee’s brutally honest leave request that won the internet

‘Had a Breakup, Need a Break’: CEO Shares Viral Leave Application That Reflects Gen Z Work Culture

A Gurgaon-based entrepreneur’s post about an employee’s brutally honest leave request is going viral for all the right reasons. Jasveer Singh, co-founder and CEO of Knot Dating, shared on X (formerly Twitter) what he called the “most honest leave application” he has ever received — and it’s a perfect reflection of how Gen Z is reshaping workplace culture.

In his post, Singh revealed that one of his team members emailed to request time off — but not for the usual reasons. The employee candidly admitted they were struggling to focus on work after a breakup, writing:

“I recently had a breakup and haven’t been able to focus on work. I need a short break. I’m working from home today, so I’d like to take leave from the 28th to the 8th.”

Singh shared a screenshot of the message, captioning it:

“Gen Z doesn’t do filters.”

Got the most honest leave application yesterday. Gen Z doesn’t do filters! pic.twitter.com/H0J27L5EsE

— Jasveer Singh (@jasveer10) October 28, 2025

He praised the employee’s openness and emotional honesty, adding that this new generation of professionals doesn’t shy away from discussing their mental health and emotional well-being — even at work.

The post quickly went viral, attracting thousands of views and comments. Many users praised the employee’s transparency, calling it a refreshing change from the scripted excuses often used in corporate environments.

Others applauded Singh’s response after he confirmed that he had indeed approved the leave immediately, replying simply: “Leave approved, instantly.”

Social media users hailed the CEO’s empathetic approach, saying it set a positive example for workplace leadership. One comment read, “If only more bosses were this understanding, mental health leaves would be normalized.”

The viral exchange has sparked a broader discussion about how companies today are handling mental health and emotional stress. Younger employees, particularly from Gen Z, are increasingly vocal about prioritizing their emotional well-being, choosing transparency over pretense.

Experts say such honesty can foster healthier work environments, build trust, and encourage employers to view productivity through a more human lens.