India, April 16 -- While startup environments are frequently criticised for being high-pressure and toxic, one employee's viral post is proving that leadership makes all the difference. Sharing a series of supportive WhatsApp messages, the individual revealed that in two years at an Indian startup, their managers have never questioned a single leave or work-from-home request, prioritising empathy over scrutiny.

"Managers at my startup," an individual wrote on Reddit, adding, "They have never ever asked a single question whenever I have asked for leaves or wfh."

The employee continued, "People say startup culture is bad but I have been here for 2 years and never faced a single toxic situation. It only boils down to the kind of people you...