India, July 1 -- In yet another striking example of workplace rigidity backfiring, a Reddit user recently shared a frustrating experience that has resonated with many online. The user, who goes by the handle @SyntaxPetal, recounted how their employer's strict, no-exceptions policy on remote work ultimately led to an ironic and revealing turn of events.

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"Last week I woke up feeling awful-fever, cough, the whole thing," the user began. "I messaged my boss to ask if I could work from home so I wouldn't get anyone sick. He replied, 'No exceptions. If you're well enough to work, you're well enough to be here.'" Respecting the instruction,...