Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Developer Says HR Refused Work From Home After Knee Surgery
A software developer in India had to get surgery on his knee.
After the surgery, walking and going to the office would be hard for him, so he asked his company if he could work from home while recovering.
He said his job can be done entirely from home and his work would not get worse.
But the company's HR team said no, because there is no company rule allowing work from home.
The developer says other employees were allowed to work from home before.
He even offered to pay for the special computer access he would need.
He is already planning to leave his job and is worried that taking medical leave could delay that.
So he asked people on the internet site Reddit for their opinions.
He wants to know if the company is legally allowed to say no to his request.
An Indian software developer claims his company refused his work-from-home request while he recovers from knee surgery.
HR reportedly rejected the request, saying the company has no provision for work from home.
The developer says his job can be done entirely from home and remote work would not affect his performance.
He says other employees previously worked remotely via Azure Virtual Desktop with manager approval, and he offered to pay for the licence himself.
Serving his notice period, he asked Reddit whether his employer is legally allowed to refuse, fearing medical leave could extend his leaving date.
- Who
- An unnamed Indian software developer making claims on Reddit, as reported by NDTV.
- What
- The developer's employer refused his request to work from home while he recovers from knee surgery, prompting him to question the legality of the decision.
- When
- Not specified in the article; he is currently serving his notice period.
- Where
- India (the developer is Indian; the company's location is not specified).
- Why
- He will struggle to walk and commute after surgery, and he believes the job can be done remotely without affecting his performance.
Employee's View
Employer's View
Remote work during recovery
Employee's View
The developer says his medical condition makes commuting difficult and his job can be done entirely from home, so remote work should be allowed.
Employer's View
HR says there is no company provision for work from home, so the request was rejected.
Consistency with past practice
Employee's View
The developer notes other employees previously worked remotely via Azure Virtual Desktop with manager approval, and he offered to pay for the licence himself.
Employer's View
HR's stated position suggests such arrangements require company provision or approval, which was not granted in this case.
- Employee
- Indian software developer, unnamed
- Request
- Work from home while recovering from knee surgery
- HR response
- Rejected; no company provision for work from home
- Job nature
- Can be performed entirely from home
- Remote work precedent
- Other employees allowed remote access via Azure Virtual Desktop with manager approval
- Employee offer
- To pay for the required licence himself
- Employment status
- Serving notice period
- Source
- Reddit post; claims not independently verified by NDTV