New Delhi: In a deeply tragic incident that has raised significant alarm, a 30-year-old factory worker in Thailand collapsed and died just one day after her manager denied her request for sick leave. This shocking event has reignited discussions about the importance of work-life balance and employee health in workplaces around the globe.
The worker, identified as May, had been diagnosed with an inflamed large intestine and took medical leave from September 5 to September 9, based on her doctor’s recommendation. Although she spent four days in the hospital and was discharged, her condition unfortunately continued to deteriorate.
In September, May sought approval for additional sick leave due to her worsening health, but her manager rejected the request, insisting that she return to work and provide a new medical note. Concerned about job security, May returned to work the following day, despite still feeling unwell. Tragically, after only 20 minutes on the job, she collapsed.
According to a friend, May was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery. However, she succumbed to necrotizing enterocolitis the next day, leaving her friends and family devastated.
In the wake of May’s death, her employer, Delta Electronics Thailand, issued a statement on September 17 expressing their sorrow. Victor Cheng, CEO of Delta Electronics (Thailand) PCL, stated in a Facebook post, “We are devastated by this loss. Our priority is to provide unwavering support to the employee’s family at this trying time.”
The company announced that it would conduct a comprehensive investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. “Delta Electronics remains committed to transparency and responsibility and will keep all relevant parties informed as more information becomes available,” the statement read.
This tragic incident has highlighted the urgent need for better workplace policies that prioritise employee well-being. The denial of sick leave in a critical health situation raises serious ethical questions about the responsibilities of employers towards their employees. As discussions about mental and physical health in the workplace gain momentum, cases like May’s serve as a poignant reminder of the consequences of neglecting employee health and work-life balance.
The loss of May underscores the critical importance of fostering supportive work environments where employees feel safe to prioritise their health. It calls for employers to review their policies on sick leave and employee welfare, ensuring that no one has to choose between their job and their health. As the investigation into this incident unfolds, many will be watching closely to see what changes, if any, will be made in response to this tragedy.