Page 43 - An Indispensible Resource for Being a Credible Activist

E. We should have both a first aid kit for emergencies only that only managers
have access to in case there is an injury, and we should have a vending machine
for non-emergency supplies for all staff to use as needed for non-emergency
situations.
5. An employee breaks her arm during the winter. There is ice all over the roads and
sidewalks. Her doctor advises her to work from home because if she slips again,
she won’t be able to balance herself and could become even more seriously injured.
Her manager knows this and gives her permission to work from home but then
still becomes angry with her because she doesn’t attend the office holiday party.
The manager thinks about this for a while and can say any of these responses below.
Which is reasonable and why? Which are unreasonable and why?
A. I was disappointed that she couldn’t attend, but I know it’s not reasonable to be
angry with her. It’s a health issue and she’s following doctor’s orders.
B. I cannot believe how irresponsible she is! She only thinks of herself! She knows
how important this party is to me!
C. Maybe I should discipline her for this; she knows that our holiday party is
important to everyone. She should have gotten special permission to miss it.
D. She has always hated the holiday party and now she’s making it clear to
everyone. The only reason she isn’t going is to make me angry and upset
everyone else.
Hopefully, you chose these answers as those of a reasonable person:
1. E.
2. E.
3. E.
4. E is most reasonable; A is least reasonable.
5. A is most reasonable.

26 The H R Toolkit