Kansas Employee Brings the Janitor a Sandwich Every Day. The Boss Says Stop, She Goes to HR, and the News That Follows Raises Questions About Kindness, Compassion, and Leadership on the Job

People
09/25/2026
Kansas Employee Brings the Janitor a Sandwich Every Day. The Boss Says Stop, She Goes to HR, and the News That Follows Raises Questions About Kindness, Compassion, and Leadership on the Job

In many workplaces, true leadership is measured not by authority but by moments that require compassion and kindness. For an empath, a job becomes confusing when empathy is viewed as weakness instead of strength, and simple decency is labeled as unprofessional behavior that does not belong at work.
Researchers Oliver Scott Curry, Chloe San Miguel, and Mehmet Necip Tunç found that kindness toward and from bosses, colleagues, and subordinates was associated with greater happiness at work. Kindness in the workplace can contribute to employees’ happiness, well-being, and stronger relationships with colleagues. Kindness is not simply a personal virtue but can play a meaningful role in creating a healthier and more positive workplace environment.

Letter for Bright Side:

AI-generated image

Hello Bright Side!

Ok this still sounds absolutely insane even as I’m typing it, but I swear this actually happened here in Kansas and I’m still trying to process it. So I (26F) work/worked at this one firm in Kansas. We have a janitor, let’s call him Luis, a super sweet guy in his 60s.

Every day he would eat his lunch alone in the stairwell. Idk it just made me sad to see. So about a month ago I started just bringing an extra sandwich or whatever I packed. We’d sit for like 10-15 mins, talk about soccer, his grandkids. That’s it.

AI-generated image

My boss (45M) noticed after maybe the 3rd week. He pulls me into his office and closes the door. And I think he is gonna say something nice? Nope. He looks at me serious and goes, “You need to stop fraternizing with people below you. It hurts your reputation here. People will think you don’t understand how things work.”

I was floored. I was so pissed that after that I went to HR. I just reported exactly what he said. Well. Yesterday I get an email from HR. I’m being terminated effective immediately for “undermining the workplace hierarchy” and “creating discomfort among management.”

Mikkie
just now

what's wrong with him? it's so mean thing to say... and unprofessional

Reply
AI-generated image

Are you kidding me??? I was honestly stunned. Like how is just... being a decent human a workplace violation? I always thought good leadership was supposed to be about kindness and actually treating people like people, no matter their job title. Apparently NO.

Before I left, Luis told me, “You were kind to me when you didn’t have to be. Don’t let them make you feel like having compassion and empathy was wrong.” I ugly-cried in the parking lot. I’m not even that upset about the sandwich anymore. I’m sick about what this says about their idea of leadership.

AI-generated image

Like they genuinely think kindness, empathy and idk some compassion make you less professional. My SO says I should fight it, talk to an employment lawyer who knows Kansas employment law. Part of me wants to, part of me just wants to move on and find a company in Kansas that isn’t run by soulless robots.

So... would you guys fight the termination or just take the L and leave? I’m so torn.

Thanks,
Janet

Thank you so much for sharing your story with such honesty and heart, it takes real courage to be that vulnerable. We hope you remember that your compassion and kindness are strengths, not flaws, and that you are not alone in this.

  • Consider a quick free consultation before deciding on next steps — Don’t write some epic legal letter tonight. Tomorrow morning, spend 30 mins putting everything in one folder: termination email, dates, exact quote about “people below you,” any Slacks. Then book ONE free 15-min employment lawyer consultation. Most do them. You can decide to fight or walk away after you actually know your options.
  • You could choose not to frame it as being let go for showing kindness — You can tell the truth without sounding like a martyr. Try: “I reported a comment from management that I felt was inappropriate about how staff should treat each other, and our values didn’t align after that.” It’s true, it’s calm, and it makes you look like someone with a spine.
  • We hope this doesn’t stop you from being kind to the next Luis you meet — We know the urge right now is to be like, “Fine, I’ll never be nice at work again.” Don’t. The world doesn’t need another person who learns to ignore the guy eating alone to fit in. Just be smarter about where you spend your kindness — save it for people like Luis, not for trying to educate your boss.

Ultimately, workplaces that punish compassion and kindness reveal more about their leadership than the person who showed it. No job should require hiding empathy to fit in. For an empath, choosing decency may cost a role, but it protects integrity and self-respect that no title can ever replace.

Read next — 10 Coworker Stories That Prove Compassion Outranks Any Title at Work

Have you ever been made to feel like your compassion or kindness at work was a weakness?

Comments

Get notifications
Lucky you! This thread is empty,
which means you've got dibs on the first comment.
Go for it!

Related Reads