Boss Expects Employee To Read Emails And Work After Hours, Gets A Reality Check Before Important Meeting

What would you do if your boss screamed at you to finish hours of work in just 10 minutes?

We all have those slow, easy days at work where we can move at a snail’s pace without stress. Then there are the busy days when you’ve got to hustle because there’s an important meeting or deadline on the line. But what happens when your boss’s expectations are completely unrealistic?

One employee shared a wild story about their boss demanding hours’ worth of work to be done in just 10 minutes: panic, yelling, and all. The kicker? The VP they were supposedly rushing for showed up late, ended things early, and made the entire meltdown completely pointless. Keep reading for the full story.

It’s important for companies to avoid setting unrealistic expectations for their employees

Man taking public transit looks stressed as boss is livid employee didn’t check their email on time.

Image credits: varyapigu / Envato (not the actual photo)

One employee shared how their boss got upset because they hadn’t checked emails outside of office hours

Text on a digital screen describes a boss livid an employee didn’t check their email while taking public transit to work.

Employee on public transit looks stressed after failing to check email, causing boss to become livid at the workplace.

Text showing a boss livid that their employee didn’t check their email while taking public transit to work.

Alt text: Boss visibly livid at employee who didn’t check email while taking public transit on their way to work

Employee on public transit explaining to boss about not checking email on the way to work, causing boss to be livid.

Livid boss confronts employee who didn’t check their email while taking public transit on the way to work.

Text on a screen describing an employee realizing their boss is asking for hours of work and data aggregation before a meeting.

Text snippet about leaving for a meeting by 9am, highlighting a busy work schedule and urgency.

Angry boss pointing aggressively at employee in office, upset they didn’t check email on their way to work.

Image credits: sedrik2007 / Envato (not the actual photo)

Livid boss confronts employee who didn’t check their email while taking public transit to work.

Text on screen displaying an employee’s message about a boss being livid after not checking email on public transit.

Image credits: nboro94

Setting unrealistic expectations can quickly demotivate employees and harm productivity

Frustrated employee at desk holding glasses, stressed after not checking email on public transit before work.

Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

We all have our own idea of what a dream boss looks like, don’t we? For some, it’s someone who’s super chill and doesn’t mind if you sneak a packet of chips during a long meeting. For others, it’s a manager who understands life outside of work, like letting you leave early for a doctor’s appointment or a family commitment. At the heart of it, the “ideal boss” is really just someone who treats you with empathy and respect. While everyone’s version of the perfect boss may differ, one thing is clear: leadership has a huge impact on work culture. A good boss can make work feel rewarding and inspiring, while a bad one can make even the best job unbearable. So, what should bosses absolutely avoid doing?

To answer that, we spoke with Naresh Sharma, founder of OnePoint, a logistics company connecting cities across India through cost-effective and reliable road transport. With more than 30 years of experience in the business, Naresh has seen firsthand what it takes to lead large teams successfully. Over the years, Naresh has identified certain behaviors that he feels bosses should always avoid. These aren’t just personal opinions, but lessons shaped by decades of experience. He believes that a respectful and supportive workplace is what truly drives long-term success.

“Let’s start with unrealistic expectations,” Naresh tells Bored Panda. He recalls hearing about bosses who expect their employees to respond to clients at 2 a.m., even if it’s not an emergency. According to him, that’s a complete violation of boundaries. Employees are humans with lives, families, and the need for rest. It’s not fair or sustainable to demand 24/7 availability. While working overtime occasionally, especially when compensated, can be part of some jobs, making it the standard expectation is harmful. Naresh stresses that boundaries are crucial for long-term productivity.

Man holding box of personal items in office, symbolizing employee issues and boss frustration with email neglect.

Image credits: Vitaly Gariev / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

“Another big one? Not trusting your employees,” Naresh adds. When you hire someone, you’ve already vetted their skills and decided they’re capable of doing the job. Constantly doubting them or questioning every small decision only creates frustration. Employees want to feel trusted and respected for the expertise they bring. If a boss can’t trust their team, the relationship becomes transactional rather than collaborative. Over time, this lack of trust can push good employees away. 

Speaking of control, Naresh is clear about the dangers of micromanagement. “Don’t breathe down people’s necks,” he says. While some managers think constant oversight ensures better results, it usually has the opposite effect. Employees feel suffocated when every little move is scrutinized. Naresh believes that leaders should set clear expectations, provide guidance, and then step back. Giving people space to work freely often results in better performance and happier teams.

Another crucial point Naresh raises is about recognition. “Always give credit where it’s due,” he emphasizes. Nothing is more demoralizing than working hard on a project only to have your boss take all the credit. A good leader shines the spotlight on their team, not themselves. Naresh believes giving credit is not just about fairness; it’s also about building loyalty and trust within a team.

 “Don’t play favorites,” Naresh warns. Favoritism is one of the fastest ways to create tension in the workplace. When certain employees get special treatment, whether it’s better projects, more flexibility, or constant praise, others inevitably feel sidelined. This can lead to resentment, low morale, and even conflict among team members. A fair workplace is one where everyone feels they have an equal chance to succeed.

Bosses need to give regular, constructive feedback to their teams

Angry boss pointing and reprimanding employee who didn’t check their email while taking public transit to work.

Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

Another mistake bosses often make is neglecting feedback. Employees want to know where they stand, whether they’re doing well or if there’s room for improvement. Silence can be confusing, and worse, it can feel like indifference. Naresh stresses that regular feedback helps employees grow and aligns their efforts with the company’s goals.

“And please, don’t gossip,” Naresh adds firmly. Workplace gossip is damaging at any level, but when it comes from a boss, it’s even worse. Employees look to their leaders for professionalism, guidance, and fairness. If a boss engages in gossip, it creates an atmosphere of distrust and toxicity. Naresh believes bosses should set the tone by staying professional and neutral in office dynamics. 

Finally, Naresh touches on one of the most important points: respect. “Never talk to employees in a derogatory way,” he says. The way a leader speaks has a huge impact on how people feel about their work. A single harsh word or disrespectful tone can undo weeks of effort and damage motivation instantly. Employees deserve to be treated with dignity, regardless of their role or level in the company. Naresh believes that respect should be non-negotiable in every workplace.

In this case, it looks like the boss made a huge fuss over absolutely nothing and didn’t even bother to apologize afterward. Have you ever dealt with a boss like this? How did you handle the situation?

People who commented on what happened didn’t hold back

Livid boss confronts employee on public transit for not checking email on their way to work.

Comment on employee not checking email on public transit with boss visibly livid and frustrated in the background.

Comment on workplace frustration by a user, discussing a boss angry at employee for not checking email while commuting on public transit.

Comment about an employee not checking their email on public transit, causing boss to be livid.

Text post from a user describing frustration with a boss angry about an employee missing email while commuting on public transit.

Comment discussing a boss upset that an employee didn’t check email while commuting on public transit.

Screenshot of an online comment criticizing a boss for yelling at an employee who didn’t check email while taking public transit.

Comment highlighting a coworker’s mistake, showing a boss livid employee didn’t check email while on public transit.

Comment on employee email habits shared online, highlighting frustration about not checking email during public transit.

Boss livid employee on public transit, frustrated they didn’t check their email on the way to work.

Comment about boss and employee communication, emphasizing checking email during public transit commute to work.

Text message on a phone screen about email signatures, illustrating boss livid employee didn’t check email on public transit.

Comment from user MMRS2000 about workplace planning and learning, displayed in a simple text format.

Text comment about a stressed employee panicking over an idea while taking public transit to work.

Text of a comment on an online forum discussing a boss and employee, with focus on a manager’s treatment of individual contributors and team protection.

alt text: Boss livid at employee for not checking email while commuting on public transit, highlighting workplace communication issues

Comment expressing refusal to check emails outside work hours, highlighting employee boss conflict and public transit context.

Comment expressing sympathy and advice on dealing with a boss and toxic work environment involving email neglect.

Comment expressing frustration over employee not checking email while taking public transit to work, causing boss to be livid.

Some even shared similar experiences of their own

Text post about boss upset over employee not checking email while taking public transit to work outside work hours.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment about a boss being livid after employee didn’t check their email while taking public transit.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment about a boss being livid at an employee who didn’t check email on public transit before work.

Text post showing a comment about a boss being livid at an employee who didn’t check email while taking public transit.

Comment discussing an employee who didn’t check email while taking public transit, showing a boss’s livid reaction.

Alt text: Boss livid employee didn’t check email while taking public transit, causing workplace misunderstanding about schedule.

Comment about employee arriving late for mandatory training, showing boss upset over employee not checking email while taking public transit.

Comment about boss livid employee didn’t check email on public transit, sharing frustration with last-minute demands.

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