‘CEO-Level Attitude’: HR’s Response To Saturday WFH Request Sparks Debate

According to reports, the video was shared by Instagram user Udita, who spoke about her recent interview experience. The conversation was reportedly going well until the company’s six-day workweek policy came up. When she asked whether she could work from home on Saturdays, the recruiter allegedly dismissed the request and said the organisation wanted candidates with a “CEO-level attitude.”

As per Udita’s account, she was not asking for a day off. She was only asking if Saturday could be a work-from-home day. The request was about flexibility, not avoiding work.

However, the HR representative reportedly responded by saying that the company only wanted candidates who could show a “CEO-level attitude.” The phrase quickly caught attention online because many people felt it placed unrealistic expectations on employees applying for regular roles.

Udita, surprised by the response, reportedly asked if the role she was being interviewed for was actually that of a CEO. According to her, the call ended soon after.

The phrase became the centre of the debate because many social media users felt that companies often expect extreme dedication from employees without offering leadership-level pay, autonomy or benefits.

For some, the HR’s comment reflected a larger problem in corporate culture, where long hours and constant availability are confused with commitment. For others, it raised a practical question: should employees be expected to think like founders or CEOs when they are being hired for non-leadership positions?

The viral incident also highlighted the growing difference between older workplace expectations and newer employee priorities. Today, many professionals are more open about asking for flexibility, mental peace and work-life balance during the hiring process itself.

The debate online was not just about one HR call. It became a discussion on whether asking for flexibility should be seen as a red flag.

Many people supported Udita, saying that asking about work conditions during an interview is normal and necessary. They argued that interviews are not only for companies to judge candidates, but also for candidates to understand whether the company’s culture suits them.

Others felt that companies with six-day workweeks should be transparent about expectations from the beginning so that candidates can make informed decisions before joining.

This incident comes at a time when conversations around burnout, toxic productivity and work-life balance are becoming more common in India. The idea that employees must always go beyond their official role is being questioned, especially by younger professionals.

A “CEO-level attitude” may sound inspiring on paper, but many users pointed out that true leadership is not about overworking. It is about ownership, accountability, clarity and respect. Expecting employees to sacrifice personal time without giving them decision-making power or fair compensation can create frustration rather than motivation.