Introduction

In a startling incident that has sparked discussions online, a Singaporean employee recently took to social media to share her distressing experience after her boss reprimanded her for extending her medical leave from two days to four. The employee, posting on Reddit's 'Ask Singapore' forum, detailed her health struggles, which included a persistent migraine that escalated, ultimately leading to a high fever.

Employee's Experience

Despite providing her manager with photo evidence of her fever—shown on her thermometer—the director, an elderly woman who operates the family business, remained skeptical. The employee recalled the director's disparaging comments, where she questioned the frequency of her medical leaves and suggested that she undergo a full medical examination.

"She remarked that in her 30 years of business, she had never seen employees extending medical certificates (MCs) like this," the employee shared. The director's message continued to criticize her absence, suggesting that her coworkers would have to work overtime to compensate for her leave, further aggravating the already tense atmosphere.

The Employee's Entitlement

The employee clarified that she had not exceeded her medical leave entitlement for the year, which left her feeling even more undermined and demoralized. She expressed her disappointment and frustration, particularly as she faced significant personal milestones, including collecting the keys to her new BTO flat and preparing for her upcoming wedding.

Public Reaction

In the comments section of her Reddit post, many users expressed empathy and concern for her well-being. A number recommended that she start exploring new job opportunities, emphasizing that her health should be her primary concern. One user reminisced about their own toxic work environment, advocating against sacrificing personal health for corporate loyalty—an idea echoed by others who had endured similar experiences.

Interestingly, not all reactions sided with the employee; some users defended the director's skepticism, citing issues of absenteeism in workplaces which could lead to misunderstandings about medical leave. This viewpoint ignited a broader conversation on the balance between employee rights and employer concerns.

Legal Context

In Singapore, understanding one’s rights regarding medical leave is crucial. According to the Ministry of Manpower (MoM), employees are entitled to paid outpatient sick leave and hospitalisation leave under the Employment Act, provided they have informed their employer of their absence within 48 hours. The specifics of these entitlements can vary based on an employee's length of service, with allowances up to 14 days for outpatient sick leave and 60 days for hospitalisation leave for those employed for more than six months.

Conclusion

This incident raises important questions about workplace culture and the treatment of employees who take necessary medical leave, highlighting the need for both understanding and compassion in professional environments. As more workers share their experiences, the call for healthier workplace practices and respect for personal health continues to grow.