Employee resigns after boss insists he return to work with a broken leg, sparking fresh debate on toxic workplaces

A WhatsApp chat between a recently hired employee and his boss has triggered a fresh conversation on toxic work culture after it surfaced on Instagram. The post, shared by Ben Askins—who frequently documents toxic workplace practices—shows a manager repeatedly pressuring a new employee to return to work, even after the employee informed him of a leg fracture due to a bike accident.

“I can get you a chair,” boss tells hospitalised worker

The conversation begins with the manager sending a polite message asking about the employee’s whereabouts. The employee replies that he has broken his leg and is currently hospitalised. Instead of showing concern, the boss focuses on work needs and says, “But I need you for the Friday shifts.”

When the employee says he has been advised bed rest for a few days, the manager continues to insist. At one point, he remarks, “Doctors are overly cautious,” and adds, “Ideally, I need you in for the Friday shift, do you think you will make it? I can get you a chair.”

The employee responds that he will return only if his doctor allows it. However, the manager then resorts to guilt-tripping, pointing out that the employee has been with the company for just two weeks and is already requesting time off.

That prompts the employee to reply, “Then let me make it even easier for you. I quit.”

Social media backs employee's decision

The post has gone viral, drawing strong reactions from users who have faced similar situations. Many applauded the employee for standing up for himself, while others shared their own workplace experiences.

“I absolutely believe this is real. Worked in a call centre where a woman with a broken ankle came in (forced to) and they turned a metal waste paper bin for her to put her foot on… she left after a few hours. The pain was so bad,” one user commented.

Another person wrote, “Literally happened to me after a car accident. He's like I'll get you a chair so you can sit.”

A third user added, “I had an employer offer me a chair so I could come back to work when I was off with tendonitis in my foot. When I got back to work, I asked for the chair I'd been offered, and they said, ‘We don't really do that, can't you stand on one leg?’”

Continued criticism of workplace insensitivity

Some users expressed disbelief that such conversations still happen. One wrote, “Honestly, after all this time Ben has been kindly sharing these messages, I am still like nope, this cannot be real! Unbelievable!”

The incident has added to the ongoing debate about insensitive management practices and inadequate support for employee health and well-being, particularly in high-pressure work environments. Social media users are urging companies to prioritise humane policies and rethink how they treat workers during health emergencies.