Boss verbally attacks employee's parents during scolding: Worker calls it 'beyond toxic, disgusting'

Workplace culture has increasingly come under scrutiny as employees demand professional respect, fair treatment, and clear boundaries. Across industries, toxic managerial behavior—ranging from excessive workload demands to personal attacks—is a pressing concern.

A recent post by a Bengaluru-based employee highlights one such troubling instance. The employee, who joined a company in June, described a hostile environment under a female manager. Beyond typical workload pressures, the employee said the manager engaged in constant verbal scolding, humiliation, and, shockingly, even questioned the integrity of the employee’s parents during a reprimand.

The employee called this behavior “beyond toxic” and “disgusting,” emphasizing that workplaces should support professional growth, not personal attacks.

Pattern of Toxicity

The Reddit post sparked discussions on the challenges faced by younger employees, particularly in tech and startup settings. Commenters pointed out that some managers may struggle with modern workforce expectations, where younger employees, especially Gen Z, are less intimidated and more assertive about boundaries. Several users recommended documenting inappropriate interactions and escalating serious incidents to HR or higher management for accountability.

Steps for Employees

Online advice ranged from recording work calls to sending written follow-ups summarizing meetings. These practices help maintain accountability and protect employees from misrepresentation. Users also emphasized the importance of setting boundaries, including refusing weekend work and insisting that personal family matters remain separate from professional critiques.

Commentators and workplace experts stress that respect is foundational for healthy organizational culture. Personal attacks, humiliation, and bringing employees’ families into professional disputes are unacceptable and can negatively impact mental health, job satisfaction, and overall productivity.