A young worker lets their boss know they can't make an 8am meeting because they will be at the gym.

A recent viral response from TikToker Alexandre Evidente to the hosts of the Demoted podcast, Natalie Marie and Ross Pomerantz, has sparked a heated debate about work-life balance. It all started when a Gen Z employee stood up to their boss and declined to attend an early morning meeting, citing a workout class as the reason.

The hosts of Demoted, known for their discussions about workplace antics, received an email from a listener who questioned whether it was acceptable for a new hire to prioritize personal time over work commitments. In a now-deleted clip, Natalie and Ross expressed their frustration with the employee's decision and criticized them for choosing the gym over their job.

This sparked a lot of online disputes and caught the attention of Alexandre Evidente, a Gen Z TikToker. In a video that has been viewed over 30 million times, he acted out a response to the hosts' criticism, questioning whether it's fair to expect employees to attend meetings outside of work hours without any compensation.

Many viewers have supported Alexandre, with some saying he's "100% right" and applauding him for standing up for the employee. Some have even shared their own experiences of sacrificing too much for their job and realizing that their life should be the priority.

However, Natalie has since clarified that she has no affiliation with Alexandre and has removed the video of her discussion with Ross due to receiving "vicious comments." She explained that the email writer was referring to a salaried employee who knew about the meeting times before being hired.

Natalie also stressed that employees should not be expected to work before their designated start time if they are not being paid for it. She clarified that her previous comments were directed towards salaried employees who may be required to attend occasional early meetings as part of their job.

So, who's in the right here? It's a complex issue and ultimately, the decision will vary depending on the specific circumstances. What's important is that the conversation about work-life balance continues, and both employers and employees are able to find a healthy balance that works for them.

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