Some managers take a hard stance on time off requests, but others flip the script in unexpected ways.
A viral post from Elizabeth Beggs (@bunchesofbeggs) is making the rounds, featuring a manager who shares instances where they denied PTO requests—but not for the reasons people might expect.
Instead of being rigid about policies, this boss shows a level of understanding that many employees wish they had in their own workplaces.
From medical emergencies to sleepless nights with a newborn, the stories highlight how a good leader prioritizes people over paperwork.
Instead of forcing employees to jump through bureaucratic hoops, this manager rejects requests in a way that benefits the worker.
It’s a refreshing take on workplace culture that challenges traditional ideas of how time off should be handled.
Whether you’ve had a boss like this or just wish you did, these stories are a reminder that sometimes the right kind of “denial” is actually a win.