If you are tired of boss's urgent work requests after office hours, HR Pro explains how to handle it professionally

Many professionals can relate to the constant barrage of calls and messages from their managers after official work hours, often under the pretext of urgent crises. But as workplace influencer Avik revealed, these so-called emergencies are often not as pressing as they seem. Having spent over 18 years in human resources, Avik explained that several managers use this tactic to exert subtle control and pressure over their team members, creating a false sense of urgency to keep employees constantly on edge.

Recognizing the Manipulation Behind “Urgent” Work
According to Avik, employees must understand that not every late-night call demanding immediate attention is a true emergency. In many instances, these situations are exaggerated or fabricated to measure an employee’s availability and compliance beyond regular hours. He emphasized that professionals must set boundaries and avoid being drawn into unnecessary post-work stress.

How to Respond to After-Hours Calls
Avik advised his followers to refrain from entertaining work-related calls or messages after business hours. However, if employees still wish to verify whether the issue is genuinely critical, he recommended calmly asking the manager to explain the business impact. A simple question such as how the issue became an emergency at that particular moment can often reveal the true nature of the task.

If the matter is indeed linked to client escalation—perhaps a new project requiring immediate completion or a significant mistake needing instant correction—Avik suggested requesting formal communication through an email or written document. Such a step, he noted, would make many managers hesitate, as written proof exposes the lack of genuine urgency behind most of these requests.

Setting Boundaries and Demanding Accountability
Avik concluded that employees should always demand clarity and documentation before responding to any urgent call. He stressed that any urgency without measurable business impact is simply unnecessary noise. His advice resonated widely, with the video going viral on the Indian Workplace subreddit.

Mixed Reactions from Employees
While many users praised his insights, others expressed frustration about workplace realities. Some noted that those same managers often control performance reviews and promotions, making it risky to refuse their calls. Others added that unless strict company policies exist, employees will continue to face pressure to work beyond hours. A few users agreed that the best strategy is to politely decline with a valid reason, but many acknowledged that in toxic workplaces, such boundaries rarely succeed.