Gen Z boss rejects time-off request, gets praised for her bold reason by netizens

In the world of work, we’ve all been there– feeling hesitant to ask for time off, especially when it’s for something serious. You know the drill: paid time off (PTO) are for vacations, and if something unexpected happens– like a family crisis or a medical emergency– you may feel guilty for using up those precious days. But what if your boss said, “Don’t worry about using your PTOs for that”? That’s exactly what a 28-year-old Gen Z manager in Virginia is doing, and it’s sparking some serious conversations about how companies approach time off.
As per media reports, Elizabeth Beggs is changing things up at her company with her refreshing perspective on paid time off (PTO). Talking to Newsweek, she explained how she believes that employees shouldn’t be forced to choose between dealing with life’s emergencies and taking a break to rest and recharge. Instead of sticking to the conventional “PTO is for vacation only” rule, she’s offering her team flexibility when it counts– and it’s getting a lot of attention. She noted to the Newsweek "My team is very motivated and only takes time when they need to. I also do not consider anything crazy because if it is important to my team, it is important to me".

As per the report, Elizabeth’s leadership style could be described as “servant leadership”. As a manager at a package distribution company, she oversees a team of five employees and wants to make sure they feel supported in both their professional and personal lives. Unlike the traditional managerial approach that focuses on strict policies and rigid schedules, Elizabeth’s strategy revolves around empathy and understanding.
She’s been clear that personal crises, like medical emergencies or family issues, should never come at the cost of employees’ PTO. For example, when one of her team members informed her that they were likely experiencing a miscarriage, Elizabeth’s response was simple but powerful: “Don't worry about submitting time off. Go to the doctor.” Instead of forcing the employee to take time off from their vacation days, she prioritized their health, proving that the human side of management should always come first, the media report suggests.
Elizabeth doesn’t stop at just medical emergencies. As per the report, her leadership is about creating a culture where employees feel free to take time for the moments that matter, even if they’re not life-or-death situations. For instance, when another team member asked for a half-day off to celebrate their wedding anniversary, Elizabeth was quick to approve the request– without requiring PTO. “You’re doing great at your job. Why are you bringing this up to HR?” she told the employee.

This relaxed approach to personal time is part of her broader belief that managers should focus on results, not rigid policies. For Elizabeth, the goal is to build a workplace where employees feel cared for, valued, and supported. This kind of flexibility not only helps people feel at ease but also encourages them to bring their best selves to work.
While Elizabeth’s leadership style is clearly rooted in trust and empathy, she is also firm about the need for accountability. In her viral TikTok video, she mentioned, “If any of this offends you, maybe it’s time to rethink how you’re managing your team. There’s a big difference between being a leader and being a manager.”
As per the report, since sharing her approach on TikTok, Elizabeth has been praised by users for creating a supportive and trusting work environment. Many commenters have described her as "the best boss ever," emphasizing that employees who feel valued are more likely to give their best effort at work. One user commented, “When you care about your employees, they take care of you,” perfectly capturing how Elizabeth’s leadership builds strong relationships and loyalty among her team.