In a startling revelation shared on social media, a Singaporean employee faced an unexpected backlash from her boss after extending her medical leave from two to four days due to severe health issues.

The employee, who took to Reddit's ‘Ask Singapore’ forum, described her ordeal stemming from a debilitating migraine that worsened into a high fever, compelling her to seek additional rest.

Initially, the employee was granted a two-day medical leave, which, unfortunately, did not suffice. Despite providing her manager with evidence of her illness— including a photo of her thermometer showing a high temperature— her boss, an elderly woman who frequently oversees the family-run business, remained skeptical about the legitimacy of her claim.

The situation escalated when the director accused her of misusing sick leave, indicating that in her '30 years of running a business,' she had never encountered employees extending medical certificates (MCs) like this.

She also implied that the employee's absence was creating a shortage of workers and could lead to her colleagues needing to pick up the slack, noting that recent company firings had already intensified workloads.

“This experience has really brought me down. I am collecting the keys to my new BTO this month and getting married next month,” the employee expressed, emphasizing her genuine distress over the situation. “I am not attempting to exploit sick leave; I truly am unwell. Is this kind of treatment commonplace in workplaces, or am I being unjustly treated?”

Community Reactions: A Call for Employee Rights!

The online community quickly rallied around her plight, with many members expressing sympathy and suggesting that she should start searching for a new job.

One user stressed the importance of prioritizing health over work, recounting their own challenging experiences with previous employers who disregarded legitimate medical needs.

Several others echoed these sentiments, describing their own toxic workplace situations where management disregarded employee health. “It's crucial to remember that a company's mismanagement should not result in personal sacrifice,” one commentator stated emphatically.

Interestingly, a small group of users sided with the boss's perspective, arguing that frequent abuse of sick leave by employees has led many employers to adopt a more cautious approach.

Some expressed frustration over having to cover for absent colleagues repeatedly.

Understanding Employee Rights in Singapore

As per Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MoM), employees are entitled to paid sick leave if they qualify under the Employment Act, having worked for at least three months and provided timely notice of their absence.

Employees can receive a maximum of 14 days of paid outpatient sick leave and up to 60 days of paid hospitalization leave based on their tenure.

In a workplace where respect for health and well-being should be paramount, it's alarming to witness such treatment.

This case not only shines a light on the struggles faced by employees during illness but also poses broader questions about workplace culture and the rights of workers in Singapore.

If you or someone you know is facing similar challenges, remember that your health should always take precedence over any job obligations. A healthy workforce is productive, and companies should foster an environment that supports employees during their time of need!