Controversy Surrounds Boss’s Attempt to Cancel Employee’s Holiday
Ben Askins, a prominent entrepreneur, recently highlighted an alarming incident involving a manager who attempted to retract an employee’s holiday while they were already enjoying time off in Mexico. This situation unfolded through a series of text messages between the two parties, with the employee questioning if the manager’s demands were a joke.
The manager initiated the contact by informing the worker of a "mistake" with their annual leave. They insisted that due to too many staff members being away simultaneously, the employee would need to return to the office on Thursday and Friday, despite the fact that this would be practically impossible for someone in Mexico. The manager’s unwillingness to compromise was evident when they stated, "There’s nothing I can do. I’m going to update the system now saying you’ll be in."
The employee firmly resisted this demand, highlighting the impracticality of returning in time and expressing their intentions to escalate the issue should the manager persist. "Even if I wanted to come back in time, which I can’t, I wouldn’t," they asserted.
Askins deemed the manager’s behaviour unacceptable, emphasising that it is their responsibility to ensure work is covered during periods of employee leave rather than infringe upon the rights of those who are entitled to their holidays. He suggested that managers should seek alternative solutions, such as hiring contractors or adjusting workloads to accommodate those who are off.
The scenario described by Askins is not uncommon. Many individuals have recounted similar experiences where they were pressured to return from leave to handle work-related responsibilities. One individual mentioned how their previous employer insisted on their return while they were in Sweden, with travel options severely limited due to winter conditions. Another worker shared a harrowing account of being asked to cut short their attendance at their brother’s wedding in Dubai to return for a mere four-hour shift at a supermarket, or face disciplinary action.
Responses from the public suggest that there is a broader issue at play when it comes to workplace boundaries. Many individuals advocate for the need to establish clear limits regarding communication during off-hours. Comments such as, "I never ever answer my phone on off hours," reflect a growing sentiment that employees must protect their personal time from encroachment by work responsibilities.
In Australia, the rights of employees regarding annual leave are addressed in the Fair Work Act. It states that while an employer may raise concerns over approved leave during particularly busy periods, they are not permitted to unilaterally cancel an employee’s planned time off. Employment lawyer Jewel Hancock clarified that employers must possess "reasonable and genuine business reasons" to deny leave, but they cannot pressure staff into relinquishing their approved holiday time.
As the workplace landscape continues to evolve, this incident reinforces the need for clear communication and respect for employee boundaries. Employers should focus on staffing solutions rather than infringing on the well-deserved time off of their workforce.
