Denied WFH by boss, 'sick' employee takes a sweet revenge and wins permission for remote work

In a situation that has struck a chord with many online, a determined employee chose to demonstrate the consequences of rigid workplace policies by complying with his manager’s inflexible stance. After waking up feeling unwell, battling symptoms like fever and a persistent cough, the employee reached out to his supervisor to request permission to work from home. The reason was simple: he didn’t want to risk infecting his coworkers.

However, his manager flatly denied the request, standing firm on a strict policy that required physical presence at the office if the employee claimed to be fit enough to work. With no other choice and still feeling severely under the weather, the employee complied—he showed up to work, sniffling and coughing through the day. His arrival made quite the impression, with the manager’s reaction showing immediate regret. By the day’s end, the boss changed his tone, reversing the decision and finally allowing remote work.

The story, shared anonymously on Reddit’s “Malicious Compliance” forum, became a powerful example of how some employees are left with no option but to follow unreasonable rules to make a point that should have been obvious from the start: health and safety must come first.

Outrage from the Online Community

The tale sparked an immediate reaction online. Many users criticized the unhealthy corporate culture that forces sick employees to choose between their well-being and job security. Comments poured in from people who condemned such toxic attitudes, calling out companies that put productivity above basic human decency.

One user highlighted how short-sighted such decisions are. Forcing one sick individual into the workplace only creates a domino effect—infecting coworkers, reducing productivity across teams, and potentially compromising operations. A single act of denial can lead to widespread illness and simultaneous symptoms across departments, ultimately costing the company far more than a day of remote work.

Another Case of Misplaced Priorities

Further in the discussion, another user shared a similar and even more dramatic story. Their friend had worked under a boss who enforced an extreme in-office attendance rule: no excuses unless you were hospitalized. This led to a concerning situation. The friend, despite battling both strep throat and bronchitis, was forced to report to the office.

Throughout the day, she repeatedly entered the manager’s office, working closely with him on an important report that required constant collaboration. The two sat side by side for extended periods. Within three days, the inevitable happened—the manager himself fell ill. But it didn’t stop there. His children and spouse also contracted the illness, with one of the children needing hospitalization due to complications.

The event left a lasting impact. From then on, the manager became far more understanding. The moment anyone reported symptoms, they were encouraged to work from home. It took personal consequences to drive home the importance of empathy and adaptability in the workplace.

A Lesson in Flexibility and Compassion

These stories underline a critical message: rigid policies that ignore employee wellness not only endanger health but also hurt businesses in the long run. Employers must learn that flexibility, especially during times of illness, is not a privilege—it’s a responsibility.