A healthy work environment is crucial for employees, not only for carrying out their tasks but also in being able to forge bonds at a place where relying on one another is crucial for a cohesive surrounding. But what happens when workers do not receive such a privilege? Is it still worth working somewhere that does not genuinely consider your personal well-being?
One Malaysian recently shared an incident which occurred to her, after she was hospitalised for an ailment that caused her great pain and distress. This Malaysian woman, who refers to herself as Caramel, shared a series of images to her TikTok page @caramelyf, of how her colleagues continuously bombarded her with messages despite knowing about her hospitalisation.
“When you are sick but you still have to WFH (work from hospital!). My blood pressure isn’t stable, it’s hard to breathe, even to walk to the bathroom makes me feel like I want to crawl instead,” wrote Caramel in a caption across an image in the TikTok series.
In an unfortunate and truly repellent reveal, Caramel shared the text messages she received from her colleagues. While one asked her nicely about an email she needed, she nevertheless alluded to knowing that Caramel was unwell despite making such a request.
Another one of her colleagues blatantly asked when she would be returning to work. Arguably the most insensitive message of the bunch came from a co-worker who asked Caramel how to carry out a specific task, before questioning when she would be discharged from the hospital, complaining that work has been difficult without her there.
Garnering massive outrage in the comments section, many Malaysians criticised Caramel’s colleagues for their poor behaviour, saying that it was incredibly inappropriate for them to reach out to her while she was hospitalised and unwell.
A few users even stated that one cannot entirely sacrifice their self-worth for a job, as most companies will focus on replacing an employee should they resign and that prioritising their health is of the utmost importance.
On the other hand, a few users also handed out advice to Caramel, saying that she should not give attention to co-workers who are deeply insensitive as it pertains to her health.
“One thing I learned at my first job is to completely ignore my colleagues when they disturb me while I’m on medical leave or leave in general. Make it a habit. Get well soon!” advised one user.
Nevertheless, there were also a few users who touchingly wished Caramel well, saying that they hope she is on a sturdy path to recovery despite the troubles originating through her workforce.
Speaking briefly with WORLD OF BUZZ, Caramel revealed that she is currently back on track and feeling better from her hospitalisation scare. Despite this, she also stated that this was, unfortunately, not the first time she had dealt with insensitive colleagues such as this.
“Reading the comments under my video, I hope bosses and colleagues alike can show some empathy when someone faces unfortunate events, and give them time to recover first,” said Caramel to WORLD OF BUZZ.
Click here to view the series of photos Caramel shared on her TikTok page.
We wish you all the best with your health, Caramel! Prioritise yourself and stay on the road to recovery.
Also read: M’sian Nurse Earns Praise for Helping Jump-Start Her Colleague’s Stalled Car in Hospital Parking Lot
