‘Gen Z killed a lot of unnecessary workplace awkwardness’: Entrepreneur as employee seeks leave for menstrual pain

The change is noticeable, with one entrepreneur pointing out how workplace communication has undergone a transformation.

Jasveer Singh, who identifies himself as the co-founder and CEO of Knot Dating, took to social media to share a screenshot of an email in which a Gen Z employee requested leave due to menstrual pain.

Singh noted how the younger generation has helped dissolve awkwardness around such conversations in the workplace, replacing it with more direct communication.

Email seeking leave goes viral

The email reads: "Hi Sir, I won’t be able to come to the office today due to severe menstrual pain, cramps and discomfort.

"I’ll remain available on email and phone if anything urgent comes up. Thanks."

Singh shared the screenshot along with a message praising the directness of Gen Z employees.

"Gen Z has killed a lot of unnecessary workplace awkwardness. They’re direct and straightforward about almost anything.

"10 years ago, an email openly saying ‘severe menstrual pain’ would have been rare," he added.

Social media users react

The post sparked a discussion on workplace communication and whether such openness should be attributed specifically to Gen Z or reflects a broader change in corporate culture.

One user wrote, "My husband gets such messages and emails all the time. Cramps - x - y - z. Guess we have to accept the new reality."

Another user, Kirnesh, wrote, "Indian offices and managers should eradicate calling sir and ma’am. People should be called by their names."

Reeya, however, disagreed with the idea that the trend was specifically driven by Gen Z.

"I don’t think it’s a Gen Z thing but a work culture shift which Europe already follows.. btw it’s been years have seen such emails as such conversations mostly happens on Teams or Slack," she wrote.