How to Train Managers to Prioritize Employee Health in High-Pressure Situations

A WhatsApp chat between a newly hired Indian employee and his manager has gone viral after the manager insisted he return to work despite being hospitalized with a fractured leg. The employee, who had joined just three days earlier, shared screenshots showing how the boss dismissed his injury by saying, “We can provide a chair for you.” This insensitivity led the employee to resign on the spot. The incident was widely circulated on Instagram by influencer Ben Askins, known for calling out toxic work behavior.

The backlash online has been fierce, with many professionals calling for HR intervention protocols that prevent such managerial overreach. It highlights how India's culture of presenteeism is still clashing with evolving expectations of empathy and flexibility in modern workplaces.

@ETPanache, @RedditIndia

How Can HR Train and Empower Managers?

How can HR train and empower managers to prioritize employee health, especially in high-pressure or early-tenure situations?

Escalation Channels for Medical Conditions

What escalation channels should exist when medical conditions are disregarded in favor of presenteeism?

To train and empower managers to prioritize employee health, especially in high-pressure or early-tenure situations, HR departments can implement the following steps:

1. Educate Managers: Provide training sessions on empathy, understanding medical conditions, and the importance of work-life balance.
2. Policy Review: Ensure company policies clearly outline procedures for handling employee health issues and accommodations.
3. Open Communication Channels: Encourage open dialogue between employees and managers to address health concerns promptly.
4. Flexible Work Arrangements: Implement flexible work options to accommodate employees with medical conditions.
5. HR Support: Offer HR support for managers dealing with complex health-related situations to ensure they handle them appropriately.
6. Escalation Protocol: Establish clear channels for escalating health-related issues that are not being addressed properly.
7. Continuous Feedback: Regularly gather feedback from employees to assess the effectiveness of health prioritization efforts.

By implementing these strategies, organizations can create a culture that values employee well-being and ensures that health concerns are addressed with empathy and understanding.