A Malaysian quit after calling their boss “toxic” for banning earphones, sparking a viral debate with netizens divided over the office rule.
A Malaysian worker has ignited an online debate after calling their boss “toxic” for enforcing a strict no-earphones rule in the office — a move they said was the final straw that led them to quit.
The user, who shared their experience on Threads, posted a screenshot of a company email reminding staff that earphones were “not advisable” unless used for work-related calls.
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The management reportedly justified the policy as a way to “ensure attentiveness and maintain effective communication among colleagues.”
The employee, however, described the rule as unnecessary and an example of management’s focus on trivial matters.
According to the post, they resigned three months ago — and claimed that three other colleagues have since followed suit.
The rule was said to have been implemented in the finance department, not HR.
The post quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions.
Some defended the policy, saying it encouraged collaboration and focus.
“This isn’t toxic at all. Even when kids wear headphones 24/7 at home, it’s annoying. People should create a safe and friendly work environment — not one that’s isolating or lacks communication. That’s not a valid reason to resign,” one user called jenny130539 opined.
Others disagreed, calling the policy “micromanaging to the core.”
“I once had an ex-boss who loved to micromanage like this too. He didn’t allow us to eat snacks at our desks during working hours. Haha,” syzwnijamil shared.
“Seriously, earphones actually help me focus better because I get easily distracted by other people’s conversations,” amieraniesa__ wrote.
