Gurugram CEO Approves ‘Breakup Leave’ in Viral Workplace Moment
A Gurugram startup CEO’s decision to approve an employee’s leave request citing a breakup has sparked widespread discussion about changing workplace norms and Gen Z’s direct communication style.
Key Takeaways
- Gurugram CEO Jasveer Singh approved leave for employee after breakup
- Employee’s candid email and CEO’s response went viral on social media
- Incident sparked debate about emotional transparency in workplaces
- Gen Z’s unfiltered approach challenging traditional corporate communication
The Viral Leave Request
An employee at Knot Dating app requested leave from October 28 to November 8, stating they were “unable to focus on work” following a recent breakup. The email’s straightforward approach stood in contrast to conventional leave applications that typically cite personal emergencies or health issues.
“I recently had a breakup and haven’t been able to focus on work. I need a short break. I’m working from home today.”
CEO’s Empathetic Response
Jasveer Singh, co-founder of the Gurugram-based dating app, immediately approved the request and later shared the exchange on social media, calling it the “most honest leave application” he had ever received.
“Gen Z doesn’t do filters. The most honest leave application I’ve ever received.”
The post quickly gained millions of views across LinkedIn and other platforms, with thousands of users engaging with the content.
Workplace Culture Shift
The viral incident highlights how younger professionals are reshaping office communication norms. Many commentators praised the CEO’s empathetic approach and the employee’s transparency, seeing it as progress toward recognizing mental well-being as part of professional life.
Mixed Public Reaction
While many social media users celebrated the honesty shown by both parties, others raised concerns about privacy and professional boundaries. The discussion expanded to broader debates about how much personal information should be shared in workplace communications.
The incident gained such traction that hashtags like #BreakupLeave and #GenZAtWork began trending across multiple social media platforms including X, Instagram, and Reddit.
