Indian techie in Singapore sparks debate on leave culture and work-life balance

A Singapore-based Indian tech professional has stirred a wide-ranging discussion on social media after posting a video contrasting the work cultures of India and Singapore, particularly around how employees apply for leave. The video, shared by a creator named Aman, captures him walking through his Singapore office while narrating what he describes as a “mindset shift” after moving abroad.

In the clip, Aman says that in India, employees often feel compelled to give excuses—illness, emergencies or family issues—just to secure a day off. By contrast, he explains that in Singapore, employees simply notify their managers without needing to justify their time away. “Here, I don’t ask, I inform. After 6 pm, my phone is mine, not my boss’s. No calls, no guilt, just life,” he says in the video.

He also comments on how long working hours are perceived differently across cultures. Working past 8 pm in India, he suggests, is frequently labelled as “hard work,” whereas in other countries it may be interpreted as overwork or exploitation. Aman points out that what stands out to him in Singapore is the sense of trust between managers and employees. He says people are expected to manage their own time, and there is a clear understanding that personal hours are personal. For him, this shift removed the pressure to justify every break or leave request, something he felt was common back home.

His video quickly drew a strong reaction online. Many viewers said they had gone through similar situations and understood exactly what he meant about feeling “always available” in Indian workplaces. Others commented that they hoped this mindset would change as more young workers speak openly about these experiences and push for better balance at work.

This conversation is not new. A few weeks earlier, an Indian engineer working in Germany had shared his story about struggling with burnout early in his career in India. After moving abroad, he said he finally experienced what a steady and predictable work routine felt like. Posts like these continue to spark debate across the region, as more professionals talk openly about the kind of work culture they want for the future.