A young employee’s video has gone viral on LinkedIn after she shared her frustration about her leave being cancelled at the last moment. The incident has once again started a serious discussion about work-life balance in India and across the world.
The employee, believed to be from Gen Z generation, spoke openly about how her approved leave was withdrawn when she had already reached the airport for her trip. Her strong reaction divided opinions online.
What Exactly Happened?
Trip Planned in Advance
The employee had planned an international trip with her friends. According to her, she had informed her manager weeks before the travel date. At that time, there was no objection from the company side.
Sudden Leave Cancellation
On the day of departure, while she was at the airport, she received information that her leave had been cancelled due to an urgent project deployment. This unexpected decision left her shocked and disappointed.
She questioned why the company waited until the last moment to communicate such an important decision.
Her Reaction Goes Viral
In the viral clip shared on LinkedIn, she clearly expressed her views:
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Work emergencies can happen.
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But personal plans should also be respected.
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If leave is approved, it should not be cancelled without serious reason.
She said she works to enjoy her life and travel, not to stay available 24/7 for sudden office demands.
Her honest tone and confident delivery quickly caught attention. Many young professionals supported her stand.
Social Media Divided Over The Issue
Support From Young Professionals
Many LinkedIn users praised her courage. They said:
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Employees are not machines.
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Mental health and personal life matter.
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Companies must respect approved leave.
Today, Gen Z employees are more vocal about boundaries. Unlike previous generations, they openly speak about burnout, stress, and toxic work culture.
Criticism From Some Professionals
However, some users felt her reaction was too emotional and public. They argued:
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Emergencies in corporate jobs are common.
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Publicly criticising managers may harm career growth.
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Professional issues should be handled internally.
This shows the clear generational gap in workplace expectations.
Why Work-Life Balance Is Becoming A Major Issue
Changing Workforce Mindset
Gen Z employees believe in:
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Flexible working hours
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Remote work options
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Respect for personal time
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Mental health awareness
After COVID-19, many employees realised that life is unpredictable. As a result, they now value personal time more than before.
Indian Corporate Reality
In India, many companies still follow traditional work culture where:
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Long working hours are common
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Weekend work is sometimes expected
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Last-minute changes happen frequently
According to multiple HR surveys in India, burnout levels have increased in IT and startup sectors due to heavy workload and tight deadlines.
This incident highlights that companies need better leave management systems and proper backup planning.
Employer’s Responsibility in Leave Approval
When leave is officially approved:
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Teams should plan work accordingly.
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Backup resources should be assigned.
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Emergency protocols must be clear.
Cancelling leave at the final hour affects not only plans but also employee trust.
Good companies maintain trust by:
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Clear communication
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Proper workforce planning
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Respecting employee boundaries
My Opinion on This Issue
In my view, both sides need understanding.
Yes, business emergencies can arise anytime. But companies should avoid last-minute cancellations unless it is extremely critical.
Employees also need to maintain professionalism while raising concerns.
The real solution lies in:
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Better planning
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Strong communication
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Balanced expectations
Work should support life, not control it.
Conclusion
This viral incident is not just about one employee and her manager. It represents a bigger shift happening in the modern workplace.
Gen Z employees are demanding respect, flexibility, and personal space. At the same time, companies are under pressure to deliver results in a competitive market.
The debate clearly shows that Indian corporate culture is changing. The future workplace must focus on balance, trust, and mutual respect to avoid such conflicts.
FAQs
Why did the Gen Z employee’s video go viral?
The video became popular because she openly shared her frustration about her approved leave being cancelled at the airport. Many professionals related to her experience.
Is it common for companies to cancel approved leave?
It depends on the company and industry. In some sectors like IT and startups, urgent project needs can lead to sudden changes. However, it should not happen frequently.
Why is work-life balance important today?
Work-life balance helps reduce stress, improves mental health, and increases productivity. Employees who feel respected perform better in the long run.
What can companies do to avoid such situations?
Companies should plan resources in advance, assign backups, and communicate clearly. Approved leaves should be respected unless there is a serious emergency.
Why is Gen Z more vocal about workplace issues?
Gen Z grew up in a digital world where expressing opinions openly is normal. They value flexibility, mental health, and personal freedom more strongly than previous generations.