Amid this debate, a Mumbai-based content creator has gone viral for encouraging employees to establish healthier boundaries at work without feeling guilty about it.
‘Be Slightly Problematic at Work’
The woman, known on Instagram as Tulip, recently shared a video urging workers to be “slightly problematic” in the workplace—not by creating conflict, but by standing up for reasonable boundaries.
In the video, Tulip clarified what she meant by the phrase.
“Okay, so I genuinely think that everybody needs to be slightly problematic at work at least once. Not HR-level problematic, calm down,” she said.
She went on to explain that being “problematic” could mean refusing unpaid overtime, leaving work on time, avoiding late-night email responses, taking lunch breaks without guilt, questioning inefficient processes, and making full use of annual leave.
According to Tulip, workplaces are often structured in ways that reward employees who constantly make themselves available. As a result, setting personal limits can sometimes be perceived as being difficult, even when those boundaries are necessary for well-being.
“Sometimes being difficult means just having boundaries in a culture that benefits from you having none,” she added, emphasizing that mental health may depend on employees learning to protect their personal time.
A Message That Resonated With Many
The video's caption echoed the same sentiment.
“Be a problematic employee at least once in your life. Say no to unpaid overtime. Leave work on time. Take your lunch break. Use your annual leave. Stop treating burnout like a personality trait,” the caption read.
The post argued that what is often labeled as being “difficult” at work may simply be the act of setting healthy boundaries in a workplace culture that normalizes overwork.
The message quickly struck a chord with social media users, many of whom shared their own experiences and frustrations regarding workplace expectations.
Social Media Reactions
A large number of commenters supported Tulip’s viewpoint.
One user humorously summarized the advice by writing, “Simplified version: ‘Tension lene ka nahi, dene ka.’”
Another user acknowledged the practicality of the message while highlighting the challenges employees face in implementing it. “It makes sense, but we just can’t do it, can we?” the comment read.
Several others echoed similar sentiments, with comments such as “Rightly said” and “That’s absolutely true!” appearing throughout the discussion.
Not Everyone Agreed
While many users applauded the call for stronger workplace boundaries, others disagreed with the framing of the advice.
One commenter argued that deliberately being “problematic” at work could have consequences beyond the workplace.
“People who create problems at work should remember that karma ka hisaab sirf office mein nahi hota. You may have to pay the price somewhere else in life,” the user wrote.
The differing reactions reflect a broader debate taking place across workplaces today. As conversations around burnout, employee well-being, and work-life balance continue to evolve, opinions remain divided on where the line should be drawn between professional commitment and personal boundaries.
For many employees, however, the discussion highlights a growing desire to redefine workplace culture—one where taking breaks, using leave, and protecting personal time are viewed not as acts of defiance, but as normal and necessary parts of a healthy professional life.
