Asked for paternity leave, got performance review instead: Techie expecting child fears losing job
Online Reactions Question Legality
Importance of Documentation
Paternity leave policies are meant to help new fathers balance work and family during one of life's most significant moments. But for one software engineer at a well-funded AI startup, applying for time off to welcome a child has reportedly turned into a career crisis, sparking online debate over workplace ethics and employee rights According to a post shared on Reddit, the employee, working at a Series E-funded AI tech company, informed his manager last Friday about his upcoming paternity leave. The company's policy reportedly grants 16 weeks of paid paternal leave. However, the following Monday, his manager allegedly informed him that he would be placed on a one-month performance improvement plan (PIP) — a formal warning that, if unmet, could lead to dismissal without severance pay.The employee stated that accepting the PIP would not only risk his job but also delay his parental leave by six months, leaving him with just two weeks off. Alternatively, the company offered him the option to resign immediately, granting an additional two weeks' notice period.The Reddit post drew strong responses from other professionals. Several users criticised the company's actions, suggesting the move could be aimed at avoiding the leave commitment. One commenter described the situation as 'highly unethical' and potentially illegal, adding that large organisations have such leave policies precisely to protect employees during life events like childbirth. Another argued that the company's decision appeared to be a strategic attempt to push the employee out under the guise of performance concerns.Others advised against opting for the PIP, urging the employee to resign and prioritise family and job hunting. Some recommended negotiating severance terms and ensuring accurate employment records to minimise gaps when applying for new roles.A recurring theme in the discussion was the importance of formally documenting leave requests. Multiple users stressed that official channels such as email or HR portals provide stronger evidence compared to informal tools like Slack. The employee confirmed having sent the notification through Slack, along with retaining screenshots and a screen recording of the conversation, though some noted that company-controlled communication platforms can be inaccessible once employment ends.
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