I am BLAZING mad!

[LadyGascoyne]

Its a shame you feel more personal commitment to a money making inanimate entity than you do to a living breathing animal.

Oh goodness, that’s a bit personal. I see you took my ‘you won’t offend me’ statement as a bit of a challenge

Let me break that down into two elements, starting with showing more personal commitment to a company than an animal.

I would see my approach to ensuring that my horses always have someone trusted to handle emergency situations as being absolutely committed to their welfare. I have developed our fabulous team around us because of my commitment to them. To me, loving my horses isn’t about me being the only person in their worlds, it is is about them being cared for, secure and having their needs met. It is about them, not about me.

The second point I’d raise is your description of a company as a “money making inanimate entity”. Sure, by the literal definition, you are not wrong. But a company is made up of people, and those people depend on their leadership team for their livelihood. My commitment to my company is my commitment to our people not to an inanimate thing.

And, if you’re fortunate enough to work in the sort of company I do, they also rely on the company to help them to fulfill their ambitions. Most of us are in our industry as a vocational pathway, and a lot of the work we do is as a result of a lifetimes work and commitment. The discoveries we make and the evidence that we generate has the propensity to change lives for the better, improve outcomes for patients and even to offer curative options for the previously incurable.

I genuinely couldn’t imagine getting out of bed every day and going to work for something that I viewed as a ‘money-making inanimate entity’ - that would be such a hollow existence. My company is so much more than that to me, and my personal commitment is made on the basis of a profound belief in the work that we do, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people that make it happen.

 

[TheOldTrout]

It is also not so easy for me, keeping them at home. It would be easier if they were at livery.

I do all normal vets visits when I am on holiday. I pay the extra cost rather than the zone visits. I have cover for extra vets visits, like when Rigs had asthma. The time I rang to say I wouldn't be in was when he was seriously ill and could have died. I can't expect other people to cover that and I happen to think his chances were better with me at home.

Legally, employers don't have to treat pets like children. However, I think the ones who are flexible get more from employees.

BTW, mum had covid when she died, and I was visiting on death watch, so I had to be off work (rules of the time). However, I was doing emotional support teams sessions, so working in a challenging task. I logged on the morning she died and again the next morning for another meeting. The meeting the morning after didn't take place as the teacher who was setting the child up presumed I wouldn't be there. I was there. I am not a pee taker. That is because it is a good employer.

A good manager will weed out the pee takers and be able to give time to loyal employees who need it. A weak manager has discontented employees who score points from each other and feel badly about the firm. Any business should have a contingency in the case of incapacity of a staff member. Yes, it is more difficult in some jobs than others, but if time off for an incapacitated employee is not possible, then the job need reorganising.

I feel like I should print out that last paragraph of yours in large letters and put it on the office wall where I work.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I worked for a H/T who wanted to be (and usually was) considered to be fair.
Before I joined the school, he had rigidly stuck to the LA policy regarding LOA for funerals, and denied LOA to a teacher who requested unpaid time off, bearing in mind that school staff do not have a flexible AL allowance.
That teacher never spoke to the H/T again except on professional matters. Fortunately there was a large staff, so it was not really obvious that they had little to no social interaction but it didn't help staff morale.

 

[criso]

I have several staff members with personal issues - generally poorly children so it will be unpopular here!- who have run out of annual leave and we’ve offered paid compassionate leave instead, in one case for an extended period of time

It's not a question of being unpopular, I felt sorry for my colleague with the poorly wife, he was a nice guy and not taking the p however as I was the only other person in that role, it meant I was working ridiculous amounts of overtime to cover and unable to take all my leave and that's not sustainable over a long period of time. It wasn't the sort of condition that would improve or be terminal.

So my sympathy is with the other members of your staff who are helping these people, are they getting any compensation for the extra efforts they are making?

 

[LadyGascoyne]

It's not a question of being unpopular, I felt sorry for my colleague with the poorly wife, he was a nice guy and not taking the p however as I was the only other person in that role, it meant I was working ridiculous amounts of overtime to cover and unable to take all my leave and that's not sustainable over a long period of time. It wasn't the sort of condition that would improve or be terminal.

So my sympathy is with the other members of your staff who are helping these people, are they getting any compensation for the extra efforts they are making?

We are fortunate to be able to balance things differently, so certain projects have been held and others have had support from consultancy. Of course there is an enormous cost to company, there is no getting away from that.

 

[Snow Falcon]

Oh goodness, this is turning a bit personal. Not everyone has an understanding manager nor a job they can just up and leave at a minutes notice. As animal owners it is our duty to ensure that emergency plans are in place. I am lucky that I am able to leave work, my ponies are 3 miles up the road. The downside of working in a school is that I have no annual leave so arranging any sort of appointment is tricky. I have a very good friend who I share pony duties with.

Those who work in the emergency services have a duty of care to their patients.

Perhaps this maybe a wake up call to those who haven't got emergency plans in place to do so.

 

[AmyMay]

Oh goodness, this is turning a bit personal. Not everyone has an understanding manager nor a job they can just up and leave at a minutes notice. As animal owners it is our duty to ensure that emergency plans are in place. I am lucky that I am able to leave work, my ponies are 3 miles up the road. The downside of working in a school is that I have no annual leave so arranging any sort of appointment is tricky. I have a very good friend who I share pony duties with.

Those who work in the emergency services have a duty of care to their patients.

Perhaps this maybe a wake up call to those who haven't got emergency plans in place to do so.

 

[fetlock]

In my last job, I was part of a team working with the LA HR dept to review leave of absence policies for education staff. It was proposed by the HR team that the wording which allowed LOA for attendance at funerals of close relatives only should be changed, because who is to say who is a close relative. Some people might be closer to a grandparent than their parent. The responsibility was given to managers to actually manage their staff.

I remember bickering going on at work about a colleague who, when refused time off to spend time with a grand parent in the very final stages of life and who also lived over 150 miles from them, went off sick with stress. This was on the basis that the grand parent wasn’t a directly close relative, therefore they had no right to time off.

Fact of the matter was that the grand parent had raised them from early childhood and took the role of mother throughout the colleagues life.

 

[SO1]

More people are owning pets it is going to be more of an issue.

I think a lot of this is about managing expectations. All employers expect people with kids to have emergencies and understand the legal requirements of emergency parental leave. People with pets may expect their employers to give them the same opportunities but employers may not be expecting to do this.

I think if it is indeed an employees market in terms of jobs then asking your employer to put something in your contract that allows you to take emergency leave should your pet need to be PTS or is in a life threatening situation such as colic where you need to making a critical decision is possibly the way forward. It is all about management of expectations.

My boss says a lot of people have a sense of entitlement now.

In terms of blaming employer for not having adequate cover for core urgent tasks but with same breathe asking for them to let people take leave at any time they want to, that is going to be difficult.

I don't want all my team off at the same time it puts a lot of pressure on my to cover to their roles. I have 4 direct reports 2 requested compassionate leave for three weeks due to family members being outside the UK normally we don't allow more than 2 weeks leave at time, this clashed with another person's pre booked leave. My 4th team member then also needed compassionate for a month due to death of a close relative and was signed off work. I was left covering 4 roles plus my own. When I got the requests in I didn't need to say yes to the two requesting to take more leave than we are normally allowed to take in one go.

I asked my boss what to do as I wanted to be compassionate and she said I could let them take the time off as long as I was willing to cover. I don’t have a horse at the moment so I can work till really late at night and weekends and did that to enable those staff members who requested 3 weeks off to have it. It was unfortunate the 4th member of staff got signed work. If I had had a horse I would possibly thought twice about approval of the two three week requests because of the impact on myself having to do the jobs of 5 people and fitting that around having a horse.

 

[palo1]

In my last job, I was part of a team working with the LA HR dept to review leave of absence policies for education staff. It was proposed by the HR team that the wording which allowed LOA for attendance at funerals of close relatives only should be changed, because who is to say who is a close relative. Some people might be closer to a grandparent than their parent. The responsibility was given to managers to actually manage their staff.

For me it has always been quite simple - my horses and dogs are very much an important part of my lifestyle; where I have been able to call on help to deal with an issue I will have done but otherwise I absolutely would not hesitate to take sick leave/unpaid leave. My work-life balance, choice of jobs, where I live etc has, for a very long time, been influenced by my animal keeping. I know that this means I have had to put in hours at work that are inconvenient at times - to make up for time taken off for a specialist vet appointment, emergency etc but work has not suffered from that. I have used appropriate leave policies for my children but where they have been inadequate (ie 3 days dependents leave over 12 months absolutely does NOT allow for 2 young children with chicken pox, chest infections, episodes of D&V where schools and nurseries will not accept children back until they have had a clear 48 hours and certainly not for all 3 over a 6 month period...) I have taken unpaid or sick leave myself. Some working contracts are utterly unrealistic about people's actual lives tbh. When my father was terminally ill, both my sister and I were essential care providers for him, as well as working, looking after our children etc. I asked our HR dept how they wanted me to manage the last few weeks and months as this was not something outlined in my contract. That HR dept never even replied to my heartbroken email explaining my situation - where my dad was expected to be in and out of hospital, having some professional care at home and having some care provided by us but with expected crises that would eventually result in his passing. Thank goodness my line manager dealt with it far more compassionately and pragmatically telling me to take what time I needed, when I needed as she knew that I would pay back whatever I took and that I would do the same for other team members. It is madness and unsustainable for management of any business to leave staffing so tight that there is no flexibility for workers difficulties, or to expect automaton like adherence to ridiculously outdated policies.

Over the years I have known colleagues take time off for all manner of things that are neither emergencies, nor related to dependents (and I don't mean taking the pee over unnecessary things); periods of house selling and buying - solicitors and mortgage lenders appointments, attendance at 1 off events, funerals of those not directly family members etc. As a manager I have NEVER had an issue with those things knowing that they are important and that allowing people to incorporate life events in their work buys not only good will but actually makes for good teamwork; my team know that I will pay it forward because I am likely to need their support at some point too. IF a manager of mine made an issue of an veterinary emergency I would happily go through a disciplinary process too; knowing that either it would be unlikely to be a long term issue or that I would not be working for that employer for much longer lol.

 

[tristar]

i do find it surprising the number of people who feel an animal should possibly be left to slowly suffer without treatment for want of an hours ‘skiving’ .
I found a horse once who had been left to die of colic. Not intentionally but the owner was at work, felt he wasn’t quite right in the morning but as he tucked into his hay decided to leave him. I have never seen a sight so distressing. He was still alive, just, but had smashed his head up by banging it against the stable walls. He was prone and making the worst noise I have ever heard an animal utter.
It was years ago and it still upsets me. Yes he was only a horse but no job was worth that suffering.

few things are worse than an animal suffering.

because they cannot help themselves, they are helpless, they cannot express themselves.

the times i have had to go out of my way to get aid, for horses in particular, who for one reason or another were suffering is sickening

i once had a boss, when i was very young, who said go to your ill pony and take the time you need, OP has my sympathy.

not just for the stress of the dealing with a needy animal, but the indignity of being spoken to by someone dismissing their humane impulse, denying them the right to act with humanity in the face of suffering.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

The importance of Work/life balance has been recognised for several years now, no-one should be expected to 'live to work'. Contentment amongst the workforce comes from individuals' circumstances being acknowledged and catered for, as far as possible, by policies and managers. Worker Contentment leads to good morale and retention of skilled, experienced staff.

 

[palo1]

few things are worse than an animal suffering.

because they cannot help themselves, they are helpless, they cannot express themselves.

the times i have had to go out of my way to get aid, for horses in particular, who for one reason or another were suffering is sickening

i once had a boss, when i was very young, who said go to your ill pony and take the time you need, OP has my sympathy.

not just for the stress of the dealing with a needy animal, but the indignity of being spoken to by someone dismissing their humane impulse, denying them the right to act with humanity in the face of suffering.

I think it is interesting too where management and some company values stress the importance of their workers and yet do nothing to support those workers in their life; saying people are 'important' to a company or to a team yet denying them flexibility to manage the lives that actually makes up an important part of that person's skills, talents, values and experiences is bizarre to me.

 

[Tiddlypom]

The importance of Work/life balance has been recognised for several years now, no-one should be expected to 'live to work'. Contentment amongst the workforce comes from individuals' circumstances being acknowledged and catered for, as far as possible, by policies and managers. Worker Contentment leads to good morale and retention of skilled, experienced staff.

Exactly.

The driven workaholics still need to rely on others who have a probably more healthy view of their work/life balance. They treat them disdainfully at their own cost.

How did my consultant surgeon brother get so many operations done during the early days of the pandemic and full lock down that his own hospital senior management team asked him how he'd managed it? By valuing his theatre team, keeping them on side and getting them behind him in very scary times. Not by belittling them.

 

[Caol Ila]

If you have pets and your job is one where you cannot easily be absent at a moment’s notice (eg surgeon) then yes you should definitely have a back up system in place, however very few of us have roles where this is the case. Most don’t have that level of back up and even if we do if we believe that the pets life is at risk then we would want to be there in person.

This needs to be emphasised. Seems to me that many jobs out there exist to keep the capitalist machinery working and make someone (not the employees, though) oodles of money. But in terms of what they do for society, they are not that important, they're really not, and society won't collapse and no one will die if an individual employee isn't there. The exceptions being things like NHS, police, fire department, farm work, etc. I definitely include myself in doing work that is, in fairness, pretty useless.

I genuinely couldn’t imagine getting out of bed every day and going to work for something that I viewed as a ‘money-making inanimate entity’ - that would be such a hollow existence. My company is so much more than that to me, and my personal commitment is made on the basis of a profound belief in the work that we do, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people that make it happen.

Many, many people do. Probably far more than people who feel profoundly committed to their companies and the work they do. I bet a large percentage of the UK population works for companies they see as little more than 'money making inanimate entities' because they need to pay rent/mortgage and eat.

 

[ester]

The reality is that if I'm forced to go to work rather than deal with an emergency situation they aren't getting much work out of me anyway as I'm going to be totally distracted/upset/hit meltdown.

 

[fetlock]

There’s that saying that nobody on their deathbed ever thinks ‘wish I’d worked harder’, with the subsequent regrets.

But probably a significant proportion regretting putting work before significant personal stuff.

 

[LadyGascoyne]

Many, many people do. Probably far more than people who feel profoundly committed to their companies and the work they do. I bet a large percentage of the UK population works for companies they see as little more than 'money making inanimate entities' because they need to pay rent/mortgage and eat.

Oh I can absolutely see that. And it’s evident from a lot of replies here. But the poster was particularly calling me out for my commitment to my job.

My comments on how I’ve set things up for my horses have been in relation to my attitude to my job, not my expectations of others. But it hopefully does give a different perspective to the OP. They can decide whether any of it, or none of it, is relevant to their circumstances.

 

[Caol Ila]

Oh I can absolutely see that. And it’s evident from a lot of replies here. But the poster was particularly calling me out for my commitment to my job.

My comments on how I’ve set things up for my horses have been in relation to my attitude to my job, not my expectations of others. But it hopefully does give a different perspective to the OP. They can decide whether any of it, or none of it, is relevant to their circumstances.

That's fair. I think people were taking it personally when you didn't mean it at that way. Saying, "You should have backup in place" when you meant "I have backup in place because I don't feel like I can drop everything and leave work in a horse emergency." Lots of people don't have backup for all sorts of reasons, and in many, many jobs, to be honest, you're a cog in a capitalist wheel, helping someone else get rich. It sounds like the OP has one of those types of jobs.

 

[LadyGascoyne]

That's fair. I think people were taking it personally when you didn't mean it at that way. Saying, "You should have backup in place" when you meant "I have backup in place because I don't feel like I can drop everything and leave work in a horse emergency." Lots of people don't have backup for all sorts of reasons, and in many, many jobs, to be honest, you're a cog in a capitalist wheel, helping someone else get rich. It sounds like the OP has one of those types of jobs.

I don’t think I’ve said anything about what others should or shouldn’t do? Only that I have back up because I don’t feel I’m in a position to drop everything. I am usually very careful about that.

 

[Caol Ila]

You haven't, but I think people interpreted it that way and got defensive!

 

[palo1]

This needs to be emphasised. Seems to me that many jobs out there exist to keep the capitalist machinery working and make someone (not the employees, though) oodles of money. But in terms of what they do for society, they are not that important, they're really not, and society won't collapse and no one will die if an individual employee isn't there. The exceptions being things like NHS, police, fire department, farm work, etc. I definitely include myself in doing work that is, in fairness, pretty useless.




Many, many people do. Probably far more than people who feel profoundly committed to their companies and the work they do. I bet a large percentage of the UK population works for companies they see as little more than 'money making inanimate entities' because they need to pay rent/mortgage and eat.

Totally this!! I suspect part of the reason we are in such environmental trouble is exactly because of the 'inanimate entities' phenomena which means for workers the only reward they get is the chance to 'consume' all manner of stuff with their pretty limited wages. A huge number of people seem to find work quite joyless, have little autonomy in their work and simply live for their hours outside work. That is largely what capitalism and enthusiasm for 'growth' based economic models depend on too.

 

[Caol Ila]

Totally this!! I suspect part of the reason we are in such environmental trouble is exactly because of the 'inanimate entities' phenomena which means for workers the only reward they get is the chance to 'consume' all manner of stuff with their pretty limited wages. A huge number of people seem to find work quite joyless, have little autonomy in their work and simply live for their hours outside work. That is largely what capitalism and enthusiasm for 'growth' based economic models depend on too.

Yup. I should have added, 'And buying useless sh1t they don't need (in addition to rent) because that is what we all are conditioned to do in a world where growth is the primary measurement of economic success.'

 

[LadyGascoyne]

Totally this!! I suspect part of the reason we are in such environmental trouble is exactly because of the 'inanimate entities' phenomena which means for workers the only reward they get is the chance to 'consume' all manner of stuff with their pretty limited wages. A huge number of people seem to find work quite joyless, have little autonomy in their work and simply live for their hours outside work. That is largely what capitalism and enthusiasm for 'growth' based economic models depend on too.

Yup. I should have added, 'And buying useless sh1t they don't need (in addition to rent) because that is what we all are conditioned to do in a world where growth is the primary measurement of economic success.'

So, definitely only teasing because I feel like we’re all forum friends, but does this mean… my highly criticized over-devotion to my job results in no desire for a work/life balance… which means I don’t consume to compensate… so I’m actually undermining capitalism and saving the environment, one working weekend at a time

 

[palo1]

So, definitely only teasing because I feel like we’re all forum friends, but does this mean… my highly criticized over-devotion to my job results in no desire for a work/life balance… which means I don’t consume to compensate… so I’m actually undermining capitalism and saving the environment, one working weekend at a time

No lol. We all make our own life choices and develop personal values systems; we just need to be able to live with integrity within those constraints. But if we are going to have the human diversity we need in order to solve problems, make creative decisions for the future and have a rich culture politically, culturally and socially then constraining the way we work with policies relating to the most vital thing we have ie the short lives that humans experience is incredibly short sighted and in my view nihilistic. Any of us can work ourselves to death, be as committed to work as we like; whether that has personal financial or other benefits but in a society that purports to be inclusive, tolerant, liberal we shouldn't judge or penalise others for their different choices. If someone is worth employing whether at a very basic level (not sure what would qualify as that tbh) or in a time critical life and death role then I think we MUST value them as humans, with all that fallibility, contradictions, mistakes, irritations and richness that they bring. From a philosophical point of view I am spinning out over the idea of lives lived for 'work'. No matter how valuable that work may be, we need to recognise our own selves and for me, a life spent putting work above all else is, to a degree, self destructive. Sorry if that is offensive or difficult for anyone - it is just a personal view - not a judgement.

 

[palo1]

So, definitely only teasing because I feel like we’re all forum friends, but does this mean… my highly criticized over-devotion to my job results in no desire for a work/life balance… which means I don’t consume to compensate… so I’m actually undermining capitalism and saving the environment, one working weekend at a time

In addition to my last post...but you apparantly do consume, and enjoy that consumption lol. Fear not, there is no danger of you undermining capitalism @LadyGascoyne

 

[windswoo]

Wow conniegirl that is harsh and uncalled for! Never has LG said she has more commitment to a money making entity. She has a very responsible job and can't just walk out. She has plans in place for her horses. I work for the NHS, can you imagine if I got a phonecall and told the junior staff I was just walking out without getting cover and as all are aware, the NHS is in crisis with recruitment and most shifts are short staffed. Some of us have consciences to colleagues and patients well being.! Do you understand the stress emotion of trying to be professional at work, while sorting your personal life out knowing you can't get there in time! I hope you don't need our emergency services because we rely on staff loyalty and caring - that's why the do it.

Sorry nagblagger, I work in the NHS too, however if one of my animals needed me I'd walk out no questions asked and to be fair the people I work with including bosses, would know that would be the case. My animal means more to me than a load of people I don't know and you may say that I shouldn't work in the NHS then, but I can have empathy for other people and do my job, whilst still putting my "family" first if I need to.
I always organise vet visits during annual leave and the farrier comes when I have a day off in the week for working sat. If I have to leave and my bosses don't want to pay me then that is fine - I'm still going
The big issue seems to be the mismanagement of staff - there should always be the allowance for emergencies when giving annual leave yet how many times is it said there aren't enough staff.
An emergency is just that - whether it be child, animal or burst pipe and no one should be made to feel guilty about having to go and sort. If the work place can't cope they need to sort themselves out better (I appreciate the smaller the business the harder that is and if in a managerial role).

 

[criso]

I don’t think I’ve said anything about what others should or shouldn’t do? Only that I have back up because I don’t feel I’m in a position to drop everything. I am usually very careful about that.

When you talked about staff and the sort of thing that would qualify as acceptable time off, I interpreted that as you being involved in decision making and a gatekeeper for those requests. Apologies if I misunderstood and you were just reporting the work policies where you are.

And it's a bit either/or to suggest that people wanting emergency time off that doesn't really impact the company are not committed.

I've been the person who works really hard, usually stays late, travelled to the countries my male colleagues wouldn't because they were 'dangerous', went all over the world at the drop of a hat, never took sick leave and picked up every last minute bit of work dropped on them because of someone else' failures. So if one time in 5 years I leave early with work done but shortish notice for a horse hospital visit that the vets did want the owner to attend to discuss the case, I don't think that makes me uncommitted. What it does make an employee feel is resentful.

You can be committed but also acknowledge that life can be messy and emotions are personal and complicated so everyone needs a little leeway

 

[LadyGascoyne]

No lol. We all make our own life choices and develop personal values systems; we just need to be able to live with integrity within those constraints. But if we are going to have the human diversity we need in order to solve problems, make creative decisions for the future and have a rich culture politically, culturally and socially then constraining the way we work with policies relating to the most vital thing we have ie the short lives that humans experience is incredibly short sighted and in my view nihilistic. Any of us can work ourselves to death, be as committed to work as we like; whether that has personal financial or other benefits but in a society that purports to be inclusive, tolerant, liberal we shouldn't judge or penalise others for their different choices. If someone is worth employing whether at a very basic level (not sure what would qualify as that tbh) or in a time critical life and death role then I think we MUST value them as humans, with all that fallibility, contradictions, mistakes, irritations and richness that they bring. From a philosophical point of view I am spinning out over the idea of lives lived for 'work'. No matter how valuable that work may be, we need to recognise our own selves and for me, a life spent putting work above all else is, to a degree, self destructive. Sorry if that is offensive or difficult for anyone - it is just a personal view - not a judgement.

In addition to my last post...but you apparantly do consume, and enjoy that consumption lol. Fear not, there is no danger of you undermining capitalism @LadyGascoyne

I am only teasing @palo1 I know it’s not as simple as all that!

I think your point on recognising our own selves is an interesting one. Understanding that, for you, that is not the same as your ‘self’ in work, would you accept that for some people it is?

For me, my ‘self’ in work is more my ‘self’ than I get to be in any other facet of my life. I get to explore things that genuinely fascinate me, and learn so much about the things that matter enormously to me on a very personal and even philosophical level. I am my happiest at work, and I don’t feel the need for a ‘self’ without it. Of course I do have a self without it, I’m as wife, a daughter, I have the farm and horses, I have neighbours and I love our little ecosystem of local farms and produce. But whilst I enjoy those things, I am not connected to them in the same way as I am with my work. It is hard to explain but I feel I am where I am meant to be when I’m working. It isn’t about career growth or earnings, it’s something very different. I would say it is what fulfills me.

 

[LadyGascoyne]

When you talked about staff and the sort of thing that would qualify as acceptable time off, I interpreted that as you being involved in decision making and a gatekeeper for those requests. Apologies if I misunderstood and you were just reporting the work policies where you are.

And it's a bit either/or to suggest that people wanting emergency time off that doesn't really impact the company are not committed.

I've been the person who works really hard, usually stays late, travelled to the countries my male colleagues wouldn't because they were 'dangerous', went all over the world at the drop of a hat, never took sick leave and picked up every last minute bit of work dropped on them because of someone else' failures. So if one time in 5 years I leave early with work done but shortish notice for a horse hospital visit that the vets did want the owner to attend to discuss the case, I don't think that makes me uncommitted. What it does make an employee feel is resentful.

You can be committed but also acknowledge that life can be messy and emotions are personal and complicated so everyone needs a little leeway

I am involved in those decisions, and I would need to sign them off but my response to the issue of leave was in relation to your suggestion that all domestic emergencies are treated equally. I don’t see how it’s practical or reasonable to do that, and how one would judge what qualifies. And if it is not judged in any way and one could use it for an emergency spray tan equally to an emergency pet illness, then it’s just additional annual leave, isn’t it?

And I don’t think I’ve ever suggested that people wanting emergency time off that doesn’t impact the business shows lack of commitment? In fact I’ve said that I take time if it doesn’t impact the business.