Employee suspended despite boss's WhatsApp approval, tribunal denies relief

A workplace dispute has highlighted the ambiguity surrounding informal communications in employment matters. The employee, who received what they interpreted as approval from their supervisor via WhatsApp, took two additional days of leave beyond their regular entitlement. Upon returning to work, the employee was served with a suspension notice, citing unauthorized absence. The employee subsequently approached an industrial tribunal seeking relief and reinstatement, arguing that the supervisor's message constituted clear permission for the extended leave period. However, the tribunal rejected the appeal, failing to provide the relief sought by the worker. The case underscores the tension between informal workplace communications and formal leave protocols in Indian organizations. Employment experts note that many companies have yet to establish clear guidelines on how casual digital messages from supervisors should be interpreted in the context of official HR procedures. The incident raises questions about the standards required for leave authorization in contemporary workplaces where instant messaging has become commonplace. The tribunal's decision suggests that supervisors' informal approvals via messaging platforms may not supersede formal leave application procedures established by employers.