Gen Z employee tells Malaysian boss punctuality is “not something I can promise,” sparking online debate about discipline and workplace rules.

A Malaysian manager’s attempt to address punctuality issues with a younger employee has gone viral online after he shared the encounter on social media.

In a Threads post, the manager recounted the incident when he tried to have a calm discussion with a young staff member about repeated lateness.

Instead of apologising or showing understanding, the employee allegedly replied that punctuality was “not something he could promise.”

The response left the manager visibly upset and prompted him to vent online.

“Today I tried to have a calm talk with a Gen Z employee about attendance and why they’re always late.

“Their reply was, ‘That’s something I can’t promise.’

“I was like, seriously? Are you working for the company, or is the company supposed to work around you?

“That’s the rule, man. I got so mad,” the post read.

The post has since sparked debate online.

Some netizens sympathised with the manager’s frustration, while others emphasised the need for clearer communication and expectations between employers and younger staff.

“Tell him back, if he asks about the salary, ‘That’s something I can’t promise either’,” one user called wanz5228 commented sarcastically.

“Just issue a warning letter, bro. After three times, they can be terminated,” tyqad0208 wrote.

“Actually, not all Gen Z people are like this. There are plenty who are committed; this is a discipline issue,” faredabqori opined.

 The Sun Malaysia