Manager Shocked After Seeing Employee Break Down In Tears Because She Didnt Wish Him "Happy Vacation"

"He went on to say that he always wishes me well when I take a day off, but I never do that for him"

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• August 24, 2023

When we're at work, how we talk and treat each other matters a lot. Sometimes, things we don't say or do can have a bigger effect than we realize.

There's this story from one manager that shows how our actions at work can impact how others feel. So, OP had an employee who planned a week-long vacation in the mountains.

The employee let OP know that he wouldn't have great internet, so he couldn't be reached while he was away. OP understood and didn't give him any work or bother him during his vacation.

When the employee came back to work, something seemed off – he wasn't his usual self. This went on for a few days until OP finally asked him what was wrong.

The employee admitted he was upset with OP. Why? Because OP hadn't said "happy vacation" to him.

Yep, you read that right. Not "happy birthday" or "happy anniversary," but "happy vacation."

The employee was really hurt because he always wished OP well when OP took time off, but he felt like OP didn't care about his vacation. OP was surprised and didn't really know what to say.

Eventually, they talked about it, and the employee explained how important those little words were to him. It turned out that even small gestures like a "happy vacation" wish meant a lot to him.

OP hadn't realized how something so simple could matter so much to someone else.

OP asks:

OP had an employee who went to a week-long vacation in the mountains.

When the employee came back to work, something seemed off – he wasn't his usual self. The employee admitted he was upset with OP. Why? Because OP hadn't said "happy vacation" to him.

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a-hole:

"Is it a nice thing to say to others? Sure. Is it expected? No"

Too much drama over something that's not common

Maybe there's something else going on here

OP responded:

Another good question:

OP is his employer, not friend

The best comment:

In a world where work often feels like a constant race against time, it's easy to overlook the subtle nuances that make up our interactions. The story that unfolded here isn't just about workplace etiquette; it's a vivid reminder that the human touch matters more than we might realize.

Let's be honest – we've all been there. The coworker who's acting a bit off, the unspoken tensions in the air. But what this tale underscores is the complexity beneath the surface.

Could it be that this employee had more than just work on his mind? Was it possible that his frustration was born from expectations that extended beyond the professional realm?

We spend a significant portion of our lives at work. Bonds form, friendships develop, and sometimes, emotions blur the lines between colleagues and something more.

Perhaps this employee saw in OP not just a manager but a friend, a confidant, or maybe even something deeper. Could it be that his resentment wasn't just about the absence of a "happy vacation" wish but a symbol of a deeper disconnect?

Damjan