A lawsuit was filed against Reddit alleging that the company fired an employee with anxiety for taking medical leave. The employee, Jamie Lee, had worked at Reddit as an accountant for over 4 years with positive reviews. In July 2022, Lee requested 3 days off for her health but was denied. She was later placed on medical leave after fainting, but was fired upon returning and accused of poor performance. However, the lawsuit claims others made similar mistakes. It also alleges Reddit’s new leadership under the CFO has created a “toxic, political, and not inclusive” culture, which two other employees also left over. This highlights challenges employees faced with the changing culture at Reddit.
It’s insane, isn’t it? Why do so many companies act like employees are their indentured servants and not professionals who provide their services to them in exchange for money?
If anything, the boss should have said “Are you sure just 3 days are enough? How about you take the whole week off instead and come back fully refreshed?”. I do hope the court throws the book at them - time off should be a goddamned sacred right if every employee.