Fat-shamed at work: Employee gets harassed for simply sitting down. 'This is a new low', says netizens

A troubled employee recently opened up on the Indian Workplace subreddit, describing how their manager has been continuously targeting them because of their body size. According to the post, the employee explained that the company uses outdated and fragile office chairs. Being a tall and heavily built person, they mentioned that one day, while leaning back, the chair gave way slightly and suffered minor damage. Since that moment, their manager has unfairly placed blame on them for any future chair damage within the office.

The employee shared that the harassment didn’t end there. Their manager reportedly began sending official emails telling them to sit upright and avoid leaning back during work hours. This form of micromanagement left the employee questioning whether such behavior was even appropriate or professionally acceptable, especially when it affected their ability to sit and work comfortably for long hours.

The post struck a chord with many Reddit users, who quickly came to the employee’s defense. Several users expressed disbelief and sympathy, condemning the manager’s behavior as highly insensitive

'This is a new low. Find another job," urged a Reddit user.

. One commenter, also a person of large build, shared their own experience of working in the same company for over 16 years. They confessed to unintentionally damaging several chairs over the years but noted that no one in their organization ever made them feel bad about it. Instead, the company simply replaced the chairs with more suitable ones, showing understanding rather than blame.

Others questioned the motivations of the manager, expressing frustration that someone in a supervisory role would fixate on such trivial issues. They pointed out that a manager should be focused on employee welfare and productivity rather than obsessing over furniture damage. Many agreed that the manager’s actions revealed a deeper problem—one rooted in body shaming and an unhealthy workplace culture.

The post sparked a wider discussion around how larger-bodied individuals are often treated unfairly in professional environments, especially when their physical needs aren't met with adequate facilities or basic empathy. While the original poster was seeking validation for their discomfort, the outpouring of support from fellow users served as a reminder that no one should be made to feel ashamed of their body at work. For many, this situation highlighted the need for companies to foster inclusive, respectful workspaces where all employees are treated with dignity—regardless of size or appearance.