Employee share's doctor's note after bleeding eyes and infection. Boss's threatening response leaves him stunned and internet fuming

Workplace stress is one thing, but toxic behavior from a manager takes it to a whole new level. Employees expect basic empathy when they’re genuinely sick, yet sometimes the response is bafflingly harsh. One Reddit user recently shared his experience of suffering a severe eye infection, only to face a response from his boss that left him shocked and the internet fuming.

The employee, who joined the company in May, developed a serious case of conjunctivitis and visited a doctor. The doctor advised a week off and provided a prescription confirming the need for rest. When his eyes began bleeding the following week, he immediately informed his manager and shared the prescription, explaining he couldn’t even open emails due to his condition.

Instead of showing understanding, the manager curtly told him to “talk with HR.” When he asked for HR’s contact, the boss escalated the situation, saying he wouldn’t continue with him further and accusing him of “not doing nothing.” The shocking lack of empathy and professional support sparked outrage online, with many users criticizing the manager’s behavior as unreasonable and toxic.

What did the netizens say?
Many users chimed in to analyze the situation. Some pointed out that middle managers often lack real talent and rely on authority to feel important, while others noted that companies sometimes promote long-tenured employees into managerial roles simply to enforce rules internally, regardless of their skills. A few highlighted that some managers may have struggled academically early on and only caught up in later studies, leaving gaps in their foundational knowledge. Others advised documenting everything, sharing the medical certificate with HR, and using the situation to ensure workplace safety and compliance with labor laws. They suggested keeping records of communications and escalating responsibly if threats or pressure continue.