A Gen Z employee’s casual leave notification has ignited a discussion on workplace norms and etiquette after investor Siddharth Shah shared a screenshot of the email on X (formerly Twitter). The employee’s message to Shah deviates from the conventional request for leave and takes a more direct approach. Instead of seeking approval or explaining their absence, the employee simply states, “Hi Siddharth, I will be on leave on 8th November 2024. Bye.” Shah captioned the post, “How my Gen Z team gets its leaves approved,” sparking a wave of mixed reactions.
how my gen z team gets its leaves approved pic.twitter.com/RzmsSZs3ol
— Siddharth Shah (@siddharthshahx) November 5, 2024
Since Shah’s post went live, the email has amassed over 1.2 million views and a surge of comments. Some professionals were surprised by the straightforward tone, while others found it to be an acceptable approach. Supporters argued that employees should have the right to take leaves without lengthy approvals, seeing it as a step towards a more progressive work culture. “People shouldn’t have to give reasons for taking a day off; it’s their right,” one X user noted.
On the other hand, critics emphasized that coordinating leave requests with management is essential for smooth operations, especially in team settings. “Most companies don’t deny leave, but planning is crucial to ensure team functions run smoothly,” commented a user. Other commenters argued that while workplace culture may be evolving, the requirement for leave approval remains a norm, even internationally. The debate has highlighted a broader generational shift in attitudes toward work-life boundaries and workplace protocol.
