Sometimes, leadership shows up in the simplest moments. What could have been an awkward, stressful conversation turned into a deeply human exchange that struck a chord online. When an employee in the Netherlands asked her manager for flexibility during a family emergency, she didn’t receive cold policy talk or silent judgment. Instead, she got empathy. That response — calm, kind, and supportive — has since gone viral, reminding people everywhere that a few compassionate words at work can truly mean everything.
Ashwini Thamke, an Indian professional working in the Netherlands, experienced a familiar feeling of dread when she had to return to India immediately owing to a medical issue in her family. Like many workers, she anticipated awkward questions or grudging acceptance when informing her boss. Unsure of how she would be received, she summoned the courage to explain her situation at work.
What Question Did Ashwini Pose To Her Manager?
Thamke later revealed on Instagram that the severity of the family issue required last-minute travel arrangements. She contacted her manager to inquire about the possibility of working remotely from Mumbai for a short period. She hoped for understanding after informing her manager and colleagues about the situation, but she wasn’t entirely prepared for what followed.
What Was Her Boss’s Reaction?
Her manager reacted with genuine empathy rather than reluctance or subtle pressure. He told her that taking a leave of absence was completely acceptable and that she could work from Mumbai if she felt capable of doing so. There was only support — no obligation and no guilt.
“If you can, you can work from Mumbai. Feel free to take time off. Family comes first, so please don’t worry,” he told her.
Why Did This Feel Like Such A Strange Moment?
Thamke said the response felt unusual as she reflected on the conversation. She noted that in many Indian workplaces, employees hesitate to request leave during emergencies because they fear judgment or career repercussions. Given her background, her Dutch manager’s calm empathy and reassurance felt almost unbelievable — and deeply human.
Conclusion
The moment struck a nerve online because it highlighted something incredibly simple yet often missing at work: empathy. Ashwini Thamke’s experience reminded people that leadership isn’t about enforcing rules during crises, but about easing the burden when it matters most. Her story didn’t just warm hearts on social media — it reignited conversations about healthier workplace cultures that see employees not as resources, but as people first.
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