CEO preached 'we're family' for unpaid work: When employee requested help amid tragedy, HR said it's 'against policy'

In recent years, many companies have embraced the idea of a “family-like culture,” often using it to promote teamwork, loyalty, and emotional connection at work. However, such rhetoric can sometimes be used to mask exploitative practices — expecting unpaid labor and personal sacrifice without offering genuine support in return. A recent post on Reddit exposed a striking example of corporate hypocrisy where a CEO who frequently preached about “family values” abandoned a loyal employee during a devastating personal crisis.

“We’re a Family Here” — Until Disaster Struck
According to the Reddit post, the company’s CEO would end every meeting with the same phrase: “Remember, we’re not just coworkers, we’re family here.” For three years, the organization emphasized its “family culture,” hosting team picnics and birthday celebrations to foster a sense of belonging.

That illusion shattered when an employee — described as an eight-year veteran and top performer — lost her home in a fire. Although she had insurance, she needed immediate help for housing and essentials. Hoping for support from her “work family,” she asked the company for an advance on her paycheck or a short-term loan. HR refused, saying it was “against policy,” and the CEO, despite his family rhetoric, declined to even meet her.

Employees Stepped Up, Management Didn’t
Her coworkers stepped in where leadership failed. Twelve employees pooled together about $3,000 to help her recover. When the CEO heard about their efforts, he sent a company-wide email praising their “generous spirit” and “family values” — yet, according to the post, he didn’t donate anything himself.

Weeks later, the same CEO urged staff to “go above and beyond” by working weekends without overtime pay, insisting that “family steps up when it matters.” The employee who had recently lost everything refused, citing prior commitments. She was written up for “not being a team player.”

She resigned soon after, followed by three others who cited “family hypocrisy” in their exit interviews. Instead of reflecting, management decided they needed to “screen better for cultural fit.”

Online Reaction
The story sparked a wave of reactions from users who criticized the empty use of “family” in corporate culture. One Reddit user wrote that “family is always code for ‘we expect loyalty from you, but don’t expect it back.’” Another pointed out that companies like this only invoke “family” when it benefits them, and vanish when employees need help.

Others shared contrasting stories of genuine leaders who lived up to the family ideal — small business owners who personally supported staff through tragedies, paid expenses, or extended paid leave. But commenters agreed these were rare exceptions.