An Indian woman living in New Zealand has sparked a conversation online after sharing her experience of workplace culture in the country and comparing it with what some employees face in India. In a video posted on Instagram, she spoke about how easily she and her sister were able to get time off for an eight-day trip, saying their managers were supportive rather than questioning their decision.
(Also read: Indian woman in New Zealand explains why women take up every job confidently: ‘People don’t stare or judge’)
‘Oh wow, enjoy yourself!’
The woman, identified as Nishtha Chaudhary, said she recently approached her manager to request eight days of leave for a trip with her sister.
"Work difference between India and New Zealand, the work culture. Because my parcel just came to me, because I am going on a trip with my sister for eight days. I went to my manager and told them I need eight days off. They asked where are you going, so I told them, and they were like, 'Oh wow, enjoy yourself!'"
According to Chaudhary, her sister received a similarly relaxed response from her manager. "And even when my sister asked, it was the same thing—her manager had the same reaction, like, 'Yeah, sure, you can go. We're actually a bit free during that time anyway, chill.'"
{{/usCountry}}According to Chaudhary, her sister received a similarly relaxed response from her manager. "And even when my sister asked, it was the same thing—her manager had the same reaction, like, 'Yeah, sure, you can go. We're actually a bit free during that time anyway, chill.'"
{{/usCountry}}She said the experience surprised members of her family in India. "When I told this in India to my cousins and my sister and brother-in-law, they were like, 'Bro, you are so lucky!'" she recalled, adding that one family member who had recently joined a big company told her, "I haven't gotten a single day off, not even on weekends."
‘We also have our own life outside work’
Chaudhary went on to say that her leave requests have generally been approved whenever she has needed time away from work.
"Whenever I need time off, whether I'm sick or unwell, or if I need to go to a graduation ceremony, or my friend's birthday party, my leaves get approved just like that," she said.
"Any time, till now, touch wood, they have never stopped me from doing anything, never. I mean, they are so understanding that we also have our own life outside work and all."
The clip was shared with the caption: "That is the difference between India’s and New Zealand’s work culture."
Watch the clip here:
How did social media react?
The post drew several reactions from viewers, with many praising what they described as a healthier approach to work-life balance. One user wrote, "Love life in NZ." Another commented, "That’s what work-life balance looks like."
Others compared the experience with their own workplaces in India. "Meanwhile, getting leave in India feels like an interview," one person wrote, while another added, "This is how every workplace should be."
(Also read: 'My manager told me not to work over 40 hours a week': Indian woman compares New Zealand and Indian work culture)
HT.com has reached out to the user for her comments, and the copy will be updated once her response is received.
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)