Recently, a manager learned a tough lesson when he refused a new employee's vacation request. He went to the r/AmItheA**hole subreddit to vent and seek sympathy; however, all he got was criticism from the Internet.
In his Reddit post, he shared his experience of working for a large company and hiring a new employee, Lacey, last week. Before accepting the job, Lacey told him she had a pre-planned vacation in May. Initially, he promised to accommodate her. However, he couldn't because of staff shortages, leading to Lacey's abrupt resignation.
To find out what happened next and the reactions from Reddit users, read on for the full story.
Source: Reddit
Let's dig into the details:
Source: Google Images (not the actual photo)
OP is a manager, and last week, he hired Lacey
Source: Artistic-Comment20
Before accepting the job, Lacey told OP that she had vacation plans. However, because one team member was out, she was expected to work
Source: Artistic-Comment20
Lacey quit and already had a new job
Source: Artistic-Comment20
OP is called to his boss' office because of Lacey's abrupt quitting
Source: Artistic-Comment20
Source: Google Images (not the actual photo)
Denying any employee time off, particularly when it involves pre-planned vacations or personal commitments, is generally viewed as unfavorable in most workplaces. It can be seen as a breach of the employer's commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being.
While there are cases where operational necessities may require certain individuals to be present, managers and companies are often expected to make reasonable efforts to accommodate their employees' personal needs.
Here's the comments of Reddit users:
Source: Away_Refuse8493
Source: Greywalker22
Source: Pineapple_Mango_13
Source: FancyCocktailOlive
Source: MissRable_AF
Source: OldMan_IT
Source: wheelsupin40
In the case of Lacey, she had informed her new manager about her existing vacation plans during the hiring process. This proactive communication should have provided an opportunity for the manager to consider the situation and plan accordingly.
While it's true that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes make it difficult to grant time off, denying it outright can have serious repercussions, as the situation demonstrates. It led to Lacey quitting her job.
Moreover, losing an employee so quickly after hiring them can be costly and disruptive for a team and the company as a whole.
Source: HelenGonne
Source: Pickle0847
Source: Euphoric-Round-5182
Source: mcchillz
Source: cupcakejo87
Source: Spotinella
Source: Professional_Tart691