A workplace incident involving a 21-year-old corporate employee has triggered a lively online debate on overtime culture, boundaries and expectations at work, after the employee was reportedly reprimanded for using a mobile phone despite having completed all assigned tasks.

The incident was shared by the employee on Reddit, where he described himself humorously as a “corporate majdoor”. According to the post, the employee had finished his workload nearly an hour before the usual log-off time. Believing his manager had already left the office at 6 pm, he chose to stay back for overtime.

‘Ask for more work’

Things took an unexpected turn around 8 pm when the manager, who had stayed back, allegedly caught the employee scrolling through notifications on his phone. Describing the moment as a “horror movie jump scare”, the employee said the manager questioned why he was not working.

When told that all tasks had been completed, the manager reportedly replied, “Then ask for more work.”

The situation escalated when the manager alerted senior leadership and asked them to patrol the office floor. The young employee claimed he was singled out as an example of poor conduct, with the manager warning that overtime pay could be cut for staff found “idle” during extended hours.

‘Office entertainment’ for others

While the employee felt unfairly targeted, he noted that several colleagues were also using their phones at the time but escaped notice. The episode reportedly turned into “office entertainment”, with peers laughing as the newcomer was publicly lectured.

Online reactions divided

The post drew mixed reactions from office-goers. Some users said their organisations strictly enforce a 6 pm cutoff, regardless of workload, arguing that it improves efficiency and work-life balance. Others were blunt, claiming overtime often amounts to unpaid labour. “If you’re not getting paid extra, it’s not overtime,” one comment read.

Several users advised the employee to set clearer boundaries, suggesting he politely decline additional work outside office hours by referencing similar expectations from management.

The episode has reignited a broader conversation on fairness, productivity and respect for personal time in India’s corporate workplaces.