Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Indian Manager's "OK Sir" Demand Sparks Workplace Hierarchy Debate
Imagine a worker who wasn't feeling well and told their boss they were sick.
The boss got upset because the worker didn't say "sir" in the message.
The boss wanted the worker to be more formal, even though the worker's message was polite.
People online talked about this, noting that some Indian workplaces focus a lot on showing respect through words like "sir" and "ma'am."
Some people think this is too much, while others feel it's important to follow workplace customs.
An Indian manager's demand for an employee to use 'OK Sir' in a sick leave message sparked online debate.
The manager was upset over the absence of 'sir' in the employee's message and the employee's casual replies.
The text exchange highlighted workplace hierarchy and formality in some Indian offices.
The employee was applying for sick leave due to an upset stomach.
Online users discussed the emphasis on titles like 'sir' and 'ma'am' in some Indian companies.
- Who
- An Indian manager and employee.
- What
- An Indian manager's demand for the use of "sir" in a sick leave message.
- When
- The incident occurred recently, sparking an online discussion.
- Where
- India, with online discussions taking place on Reddit.
- Why
- The incident highlights workplace hierarchy and formality in some Indian companies.
Employee Perspective
Manager's Perspective
Formality
Employee Perspective
The employee believed his messages were polite and appropriate.
Manager's Perspective
The manager insisted on using proper titles and the employee to be more formal in his response.
- Event
- Manager's demand for "OK Sir"
- Location
- India
- Platform
- Focus
- Workplace communication
- Issue
- Formality in the workplace