Bas Ghoom Lo, Kaam Toh Yahi Karna Hai Na’: Indian Employee Faces Passive-Aggressive Comments After Europe Trip

Bas Ghoom Lo, Kaam Toh Yahi Karna Hai Na’: An employee working with a European company has claimed that the organisation’s “friendly” environment is being ruined and becoming toxic due to the “Indian work culture.” The worker further accused the company's Indian HR of denying the work-from-home option when necessary.

A recent viral Reddit post has reignited discussions around the state of Indian work culture, exposing deep frustrations with the long hours, lack of boundaries, and unhealthy attitudes toward rest and productivity.

The post, written by an employee who had just returned from a trip to Europe, contrasts the work-life balance observed abroad with the high-stress, always-on expectations in Indian offices. The experience shared not only struck a chord with thousands but also opened the floodgates for others to reflect on similar systemic issues plaguing Indian workplaces.

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“I land back in India. I go to the office, feeling refreshed, smiling, and instantly, the HR gives me that look. ‘Aaj toh madam Europe se time mil gaya?’ Another colleague chimes in: ‘Bas ghoom lo, kaam toh yahi karna hai na.’ All in that taunting, passive-aggressive tone we’ve mastered here,” the woman wrote.

The employee talked about having a “flexible 8-hour shift, hybrid (4 days office a week).”

“My team is small, and all of them are based in Europe, except me. I just sit in the India office and work remotely from there. I don't mind that because the office is a happening place. Recently, I got a bad sprain in my foot and have to stay home for 2 weeks as the Metro commute isn't feasible. I took leave for a week and requested my Europe-based manager for a one-week work-from-home for the next week. She was on-board with that because my other team members also do the same for no reason at all,” the worker wrote.

In the following lines, she claimed that she returned to 248 emails, numerous Teams pings, and client meetings scheduled with her knowledge. “And the worst part? We glorify this. We wear burnout like a badge of honour. We think rest = laziness. If you take time off, you’re ‘not serious about your career’,” she continued.

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The employee further claimed that the whole situation left her feeling “drained, disconnected, and low-key depressed”.

Just came back from Europe and I’m genuinely questioning what we’re doing in Indian workplaces
byu/Opposite-Size3928 inIndianWorkplace

Soon after the post gained traction online, several corporate employees took to the comments section and shared their views. A majority of users found the incident relatable, while others questioned the Indian workplace culture.

"I came back full of energy… and within two days, I feel drained, disconnected, and low-key depressed. It’s like Europe reminded me what being human feels like, and coming back here reminded me what being a corporate robot feels like. Just done," the user concluded.

“I am also on one of those teams wherein they chant ‘work is prayer’ slogans. I can relate to you. There are a lot of people I know working in the EU, and they mention the relaxed attitude and respect towards employees’ culture. I feel sad but can’t do anything because for 90 per cent of roles, if you resent/rebel against such a toxic environment and work culture, thousands will replace you tomorrow," read a comment.

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