Indian-Origin Founder Reflects on Losing Employee After Denying Work-From-Home Request

Malik A., an Indian-origin co-founder based in Dubai, shared on LinkedIn how denying a top employee's request to work from home on Fridays led to her resignation. Although her role was largely independent, Malik feared approving the request would empty the office and cause disorder. The employee, who commuted two hours daily, felt a lack of trust during her exit interview. Reflecting on this, Malik now approves reasonable flexibility requests, noting improved employee productivity and no misuse of the policy.