'Find A Replacement': CEO Denies Employee's Wedding Leave Request, Sparks Online Debate

Lauren Tickner, the CEO of a British marketing company, has ignited a heated discussion after revealing that she denied an employee's request for two days off to attend their own wedding. The controversy unfolded when Tickner shared her side of the story on Threads, explaining her decision and the company's policy on flexible time off.

Ms Tickner stated that the employee had already taken 2.5 weeks off and failed to train a replacement, jeopardising two critical projects. The CEO emphasised the need to meet deadlines and instructed the employee to find and train a substitute before taking additional leave.

Check Out the Viral Post

She later clarified the company’s 'Flexible Time Off' policy, which allows employees to take leave without managerial approval. Despite her initial refusal, Ms Tickner encouraged the employee to use this policy in the future.

"It's called Flexible Time Off. (The opposite of micromanagement & outdated policies). - Your employees set their hours. - They work where they want. - They take days off when they choose,'' she explained.

Ms Tickner added, "The biggest benefit? A-players don't respect slackers. Anyone taking too much time off loses status. Flexible Time Off is a policy that creates trusting teams. What's your approach to unlimited time off?"

User Reactions to the Viral Post

The post quickly went viral, dividing opinions online. One user praised the CEO, stating, “It’s staggering how many people didn’t read your post but jumped right to shaming you. Bravo on great workplace strategy!”

However, another user disagreed: “Silliest stuff I’ve ever heard. I don’t know what role they are in, but if a person has to train a replacement every time they take time off, it’s not on them, it’s on you, as a manager.”

A third commenter added, “Two days? You could have registered your concern and given them the two days off. This would enhance your status going forward. Can't believe your business is hanging on a thread because two staff members want two days off.”