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Accused of not working hard, employee pulls a 'genius' tactic. Boss instantly regrets complaining, left speechless
ET Online | September 22, 2025 3:20 AM CST

Synopsis

A Reddit user shared how a boss told him he “wasn’t doing enough,” despite being constantly busy. To address the misunderstanding, he began CC’ing his boss on every work-related email, from client updates to routine messages. The strategy quickly made the boss aware of his productivity, and he never questioned the employee’s workload again.

Employee’s Smart Move Silences Boss Who Said He ‘Wasn’t Doing Enough’

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In many workplaces, employees face the challenge of having their efforts recognized, especially when supervisors are not fully aware of day-to-day tasks. Misunderstandings about workload can lead to unfair criticism, putting employees in a difficult position. A recent story shared on Reddit highlights how one employee navigated this issue with a creative and effective strategy that forced his boss to reconsider his judgment.

The incident began when the employee’s boss called him into his office, expressing frustration that the worker “wasn’t doing enough.” According to the post, the employee was already managing clients, solving problems, and staying constantly busy. The boss’s concern stemmed not from a lack of output but from a perception issue — he simply did not see the work being done.


A Strategic Response

Rather than react defensively, the employee chose a methodical approach. He began CC’ing his boss on every email related to work, including client updates, internal communications, and routine confirmations. Within days, the boss’s inbox was overflowing. When confronted about the deluge of messages, the employee calmly explained that he wanted to ensure the boss had visibility on all tasks, leaving no room for doubts about his performance. As he shared in the post, the approach worked: the manager never questioned his workload again.


Reactions and Workplace Lessons

Reddit commenters responded with admiration, calling the move “simple and genius.” Some highlighted that such actions expose managers who may rely on constant oversight rather than evaluating outcomes. Others shared similar experiences, with one user developing software to track daily tasks for a manager who doubted their productivity. Another pointed out that some supervisors monitor activity instead of results, reflecting a broader issue in management practices.

Several commenters noted that effective managers would not assume inactivity based on visibility alone. A recurring theme in the discussion was the importance of communication and transparency, especially in environments where effort may not always be immediately visible.
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( Originally published on Sep 21, 2025 )


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