A company statement saying “Child’s Illness Is No Excuse for Missing Work” Sparks Outrage online:
Every company has its own set of policies regarding leave, including sick leave, parental leave, vacation time, and more. These policies can differ significantly based on the company’s size, industry, culture, and values. While some organizations offer generous leave options, others may have stricter guidelines. Recently, a memo from a company caused an uproar online, stating that employees can no longer use their child’s illness as a reason to miss work. Shared on the Reddit forum ‘antiwork’, the memo allegedly informed staff that they would face disciplinary action for taking leave to care for a sick child.
The memo read, “Calling out because your child is sick is no longer a valid excuse to miss work and will now result in a write-up. We do not employ your children, and as such, their sickness is not a reason for you to miss work. Go, team!”
The post has sparked widespread criticism and disbelief from many users on the forum. Several questioned the company’s stance on work-life balance and employee well-being. Some pointed out that such a policy might force employees to bring their sick children to work, potentially spreading illness among colleagues. Others have called for the company to be publicly named and shamed for its harsh and “inhumane” policy.
One user commented, “We do not employ your children. Well, you don’t employ my partner, parents, friends, or extended family either. Any of them could need my help, could pass away, or have a wedding, graduation, or other major life event I want to attend. Guess it’s time to only hire orphans with no relationships whatsoever. Idiot employer.”
Another user highlighted how the policy might encourage dishonesty, saying, “This is ridiculous. Policies like this only push people to lie. Instead of being honest and saying ‘my child is unwell, and I need to stay home,’ they’ll just claim ‘I’m feeling sick myself and can’t come in.’” Similarly, another commenter observed, “Some rules make you shrug and comply, but others create real resentment and drive employees to work against the company. This is definitely one of those.”
What are your thoughts?
