A Noida-based startup founder has sparked a conversation on workplace challenges as the capital battles hazardous air quality. Swapnil Srivastav posted on X about receiving a blunt message from his Gen Z employee: “I won’t be able to work today, my eyes are burning.” Srivastav’s response was a simple “ok".
"GenZ is really straightforward!" he wrote on X, sharing a screenshot of the interaction that went viral and drew mixed reactions.
Many praised the employee’s directness: “Love how straightforward they are. No drama, no excuses—just honesty.” Others debated tone, with one user saying: “His message sounds bossy.” Srivastav quipped: “Hahah Gen Z doesn’t believe in taking orders, they prefer to give orders!”
Another user shared: “This is nothing. One colleague legit said ‘meri naak band hai (my nose is blocked) so I’m working from home.’” Srivastav agreed that honesty in communication should be appreciated.
It's an emergency but govt is silent: Founder
Interacting with other X users in the comments, Srivastav said that although employees have the option to take sick leaves, entrepreneurs cannot afford to do so. “Even we founders are falling sick, but still dragging ourselves to work every day," he said. "That’s the reality of being a founder—there’s no one to ask for leave. Delhi’s air is getting worse by the day. It’s an emergency now, yet no one seems to care. The government is silent and will only wake up when it’s election time.”
Sick leaves due to pollution?
The viral post triggered speculation about a rise in pollution-related sick leaves. One X user wrote: “I predict a drastic increase in such cases now. Sick leaves due to air pollution.” Another shared their own ordeal: “I spent a few days in Pune last week and have had a sore throat since. This wasn’t your average cold.”
Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor'
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI stood at 360 on November 20, after hitting 382 on November 17, both in the “very poor” category. A thick haze blanketed the city on Tuesday (November 25) amid concerns that ash clouds from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption could worsen conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of ash influence over Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana before dispersal by Tuesday evening.
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