'My boss suddenly changed the PTO policy': Employer suddenly changes PTO policy and gaslights worker to keep them taking time off

Author image for Brad Dickson
Brad Dickson • Managing Editor
Apr 10, 2023 9:00 AM EDT

People love to stick to policy just as long as it benefits them and their ends. It's surprising how quickly an unchangeable, steadfast rule will change just as soon as it no longer serves the powers that be. This is extremely common in workplaces where workers are told that something must be so because "it's policy" or "the process." 

It's funny how a workplace is willing to bend these rules, even break them, as long as it benefits a favorite or someone in the inner circle. Yet, as soon as one of the regular ol' employees could use a little leave in advance or time off for an unscheduled emergency, it suddenly becomes an impossible option.

This hypocrisy is still nothing compared to an employer changing a written rule and gaslighting their workers to prevent them from using their PTO, which is what worker and Redditor, u/admiralturtleship, reported happening to them at their workplace. They shared their story on Reddit's r/antiwork subreddit in a post that included emails from their boss denying their usage of leave according to "policy" and receipts showing that the boss had changed the policy unannounced.

See some screen grabs of the ensuing thread below and visit the attribution links to view the original thread. For more, check out this worker who left their job when their boss confiscated their lunch break as punishment.

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    via S'well
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    The original poster described the situation in their title

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    via u/admiralturtleship
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    They shared an email from their boss denying their leave

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    via u/admiralturtleship
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    Then shared receipts of old emails and policy showing what the policy actually had been until now

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    via u/admiralturtleship
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    Another example of the previous policy in writing

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    via u/admiralturtleship
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    The reactions

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    via u/admiralturtleship
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    via u/admiralturtleship
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    via u/admiralturtleship
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    via u/admiralturtleship
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    via u/admiralturtleship
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    via u/admiralturtleship
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    via u/admiralturtleship

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Tags

boss antiwork workplace-stories in-the-workplace toxic-workplace manager work toxic-management workplace Horrible Bosses toxic-work-environment
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