“Take a Dolo and Come to Office”: The Viral WhatsApp Chat That Exposed India’s Workplace Culture

It takes just one screenshot to ignite a national conversation. This week, a WhatsApp chat between a manager and an employee exploded across social media, sparking heated debates about empathy, toxic workplace culture, and how Indian offices often undervalue employee well-being.

The chat was simple. An employee messaged their manager, asking for a sick leave because they were unwell. Instead of showing concern or granting the leave, the manager replied coldly: “Take a Dolo and come to office.”

For those who don’t know, Dolo-650 is one of India’s most common paracetamol tablets. It’s used for fever, body aches, or mild flu symptoms — something many people keep at home. But in this context, it became a symbol of insensitivity, dismissiveness, and a lack of empathy from employers towards employees.

Within hours, the screenshot went viral. Memes, tweets, reels, and debates erupted. People weren’t just laughing — they were angry. And for good reason.

Why Did This Chat Go Viral?

India has one of the most hardworking populations in the world. Long hours, tight deadlines, and immense pressure are often treated as “normal” in many companies. Sick leaves, unfortunately, are often viewed with suspicion, as if employees are just trying to escape work.

This particular chat touched a nerve because it reflected a truth many employees silently live with:

• That they aren’t seen as humans with needs, but as machines expected to deliver results no matter what.

• That “productivity” often overshadows “well-being.”

• That empathy is missing from many workplace cultures.

Social media amplified the frustration. Thousands of users shared their own stories of being denied leaves, working through illnesses, and even being scolded for prioritizing their health. The viral Dolo chat became a mirror to Indian corporate culture.

The Bigger Problem: Toxic Work Culture

While the manager’s comment was short and snappy, it represented something much bigger — a toxic mindset.

1. Lack of Empathy: When someone says they’re sick, the first instinct should be concern, not suspicion. A simple “Take care, get well soon” can mean the world.

2. Normalizing Overwork: Many Indian companies wear long working hours as a badge of honor. But forcing someone to work when unwell only worsens health — and ultimately reduces productivity.

3. Fear of Taking Leave: Many employees admitted online that they hesitate to apply for sick leave, worried they’ll be judged, questioned, or even punished.

4. Burnout Crisis: India already faces a massive burnout problem. Over 59% of employees (according to Deloitte’s survey) report being mentally fatigued at work. Conversations like this highlight why.

Why Managers Need to Rethink Their Role

A manager isn’t just someone who assigns tasks. They’re supposed to be leaders, mentors, and guides. When a manager shows insensitivity, it affects not only the employee’s morale but also the entire team’s trust.

This viral chat should be a wake-up call. Managers need to:

• Understand that healthy employees = productive employees.

• Build an environment where people aren’t scared to request leaves.

• Practice empathy, not authority.

A good leader doesn’t just deliver results — they create conditions where people thrive.

Employees Speak Out: “We’ve All Been There”

Scrolling through the comments on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit, one pattern was clear: almost everyone had a similar story. From IT companies to call centers, employees shared moments where managers mocked them for being sick, guilt-tripped them into working late, or even threatened them for missing a day.

This solidarity is why the story spread so fast. It wasn’t just about one manager — it was about all of them.

The Role of “Dolo” in Indian Culture

Interestingly, Dolo-650 has its own story. During the pandemic, it became one of the most sold medicines in India. Many households still keep a strip at home. It became so common that memes already existed around how “Indians solve everything with Dolo.”

Now, this WhatsApp chat gave Dolo a new identity: the symbol of corporate apathy.

Lessons We Need to Take

The viral chat isn’t just about shaming one manager. It’s about learning from it.

• For Employers: Respect sick leaves. Create humane policies. Understand that work gets done better when people feel cared for.

• For Employees: Don’t feel guilty for prioritizing your health. A job can be replaced, but your body cannot.

• For Everyone: Remember that kindness costs nothing. A little empathy can change someone’s entire day.

Time to Humanize Work

Work is important. Deadlines are important. But people are more important. This viral “Dolo” chat has exposed something we all know but rarely admit: India needs a workplace revolution. One where employees are not just resources, but humans.

If you’ve ever been told to “just take a pill and get back to work,” you already know why this story matters. And maybe — just maybe — it’s the push we need to demand better, kinder, and healthier work environments.

✨ So the next time someone asks for leave, don’t say “Take a Dolo.” Say, “Take care of yourself.” That’s how real leadership begins.