The Cost of Flexibility

1
At a critical juncture in the project, Human Resources, citing company policy, forced me to take my ten-day annual leave.
The multi-million dollar order I had been on the verge of closing? Gone. My boss, face flushed with rage, dragged me and the HR manager into his office.
At a time like this, who the hell authorized her vacation?
The HR manager looked at him, the picture of innocence. Sir, its company policy. All employees must take their annual leave before November, or they forfeit their year-end bonus.
It was like punching a pillow. The boss turned his fury on me. And you? Even on vacation, you cant answer a clients email?
I pulled out the disciplinary slip Id received last month for taking my work phone into the cafeteria.
Company policy states that work phones are not to leave the office area. Penalty: a five-hundred-dollar fine.
My bosss face darkened. Are you two idiots? Cant you be flexible? he roared. The rules are rigid, but youre living, breathing people!
The HR manager and I exchanged a look of helpless resignation.
We dont dare, we said in unison.
I spoke up. Sir, last month on a business trip, I noticed a flight was cheaper than the train. I took the flight, but you refused to reimburse me because it wasnt in line with the companys travel policy. I ended up paying for it myself.
The HR manager added, And remember Kevin? He rushed out to meet a client without getting your approval first because it was an emergency. You docked his entire months bonus for being absent from his post during work hours.
Its not that we dont know how to be flexible, sir, I concluded. Its that we cant afford the consequences.
The boss waved his hands dismissively. Enough, enough, youre giving me a headache. He sighed. Fortunately, the client was gracious enough to give us one more chance. Get back to it, prepare a new proposal, and if you cant close this deal, its your head on the chopping block!
As I left his office, a colleague handed me an application form.
According to company policy, she said, her voice flat, any employee who takes more than three consecutive days of leave must submit a formal request to have their work phone reactivated.
I let out a long sigh. The approval process would take at least a week. At this rate, the deal would be dead and buried long before I could even contact the client.
So, application in hand, I knocked on the bosss door again. But this time, I was met by the bosss wifeSeraphina Thorne.
The story went that she had built the company from the ground up with him. They were inseparable.
Who are you? she demanded, her eyes cold.
I respectfully placed the application on her husbands desk. Mrs. Thorne, hello. Im Sarah Miller, from the sales department. I just need Mr. Thorne to sign this so I can get back in touch with a client.
She glanced at the form and snorted. Dont think I dont know the rules. All applications must be signed by the department head before being submitted to the CEO. Youre trying to bypass the chain of command, and I know exactly what youre trying to do.
So she saw me as a rival, did she? Lady, I just want to do my job, pay my bills, and go home. I really dont have the energy for anything else.
I looked at her, my expression a mask of sincerity. Im only trying to expedite this because the situation is extremely time-sensitive. I would really appreciate your understanding.
Without a word, she stood up and slapped me across the face.
I said no. The company rules are not just for decoration, she said, her voice dripping with venom. And were both women here. I know your type. Cut the act, or youll be the one who ends up embarrassed.
I cupped my stinging cheek, a wave of hot rage washing over me. But I knew that fighting fire with fire would only get me burned.
So I calmly retrieved the application from the desk. Youre right. If thats the company policy, then we should follow it.
A smug smile finally touched her lips. Exactly. Now get out.
After leaving the office, I took my time, enjoying a leisurely lunch before heading to my supervisors office.
His assistant frowned. Im sorry, hes out of town on business. He wont be back for at least a week.
I put on my most disappointed face. Oh, what terrible timing. Well, Ill just have to come back then!
I walked away feeling a strange sense of lightness. After all, I wasnt the one with everything to lose.
Three days later, a furious Mr. Thorne hunted me down.
The client says they cant reach you! What the hell have you been doing?
I pointed to the still-pending approval on my phone. Waiting for my supervisors signature. After he signs, and then you sign, I can get my work phone back.
He took a deep breath. Then why didnt you just come directly to me?
Just then, Seraphina walked up behind him.
I tried to, I said, my voice even. But Mrs. Thorne insisted that no matter how urgent the situation, company policy must be followed to the letter.
Seraphinas face flushed. Dont you dare slander me! You never said it was urgent! This is just an excuse for your own incompetence!
Nice try, but no.
I gestured to my colleague, Chloe, at the next desk. The other day, I brought the application to this office. Mrs. Thorne stopped me. Not only did she refuse to help, but she also slapped me across the face. If you dont believe me, you can ask her.
Hearing her name, Chloe stood up. Its true, Mr. Thorne. When she came out of your office that day, half her face was swollen.
Unable to deny it, Seraphina resorted to a ridiculous defense. Fine I hit her! But why didnt you dodge? Its your own fault for being slow!
I let out a weary laugh. So now it was the victims fault. But this time, I wasnt going to let it slide.
After she hit me, I went straight to the hospital. The doctor said I was at risk for a concussion.
I handed the medical report to Mr. Thorne. His face turned as black as ink.
All of your medical expenses will be covered from my personal account, he ground out through clenched teeth. And Ill give you an additional ten thousand dollars in compensation.
Seraphina grabbed his arm, her voice shrill. Are you crazy? It was just a slap! Why are you paying her so much?
Mr. Thorne looked like he was about to break a tooth. If she presses charges, well be paying a lot more than ten thousand dollars, and you could be facing jail time.
He was right. If he hadnt handled this to my satisfaction, my next call would have been to the police. But for now, ten thousand dollars for a slap seemed like a fair trade.
Seraphina shot me a murderous glare and stomped out of the room. Mr. Thorne started to go after her, but I stopped him.
Mr. Thorne, while youre here, would you mind signing this? So I can contact the client?
You
He met my innocent gaze, and with a flourish of frustration, he scrawled his name on the form before rushing after his wife.
Phew.
Chloe let out a long breath. Ive been waiting to see someone put Seraphina in her place for years. Next time you plan something like this, count me in.
With the CEOs signature, I finally got my work phone back. The moment I turned it on, a tidal wave of notifications washed over me. I found the contact for the client I had lost touch with.
Hello, this is Sarah Miller from Thorne Industries. I was wondering if you had some time this afternoon to continue our discussion about the partnership?
He replied almost instantly.
I have other plans this afternoon. Lets do dinner. The Grand Majestic Hotel. This is your companys last chance.
Suddenly, I had a new problem. Not the pressure, but the location. Company policy stipulated a client dinner budget of no more than one hundred dollars. The so-called reason was to control costs.
What can you even get at the Grand Majestic for a hundred dollars?
I had to swallow my pride and go to the finance department.
Hey, Brenda. I have a client dinner tonight, and he picked a rather expensive place. Is there any way you could approve a slightly larger budget?
She looked up from her desk, her expression annoyed. What are you people eating, gold? A hundred dollars isnt enough? No.
I bit my tongue. Fine. Im just an employee. If something goes wrong later, its not on me.
Just as I was about to leave, Seraphina waltzed in, all smiles. Whats going on? Why the long faces?
Brenda shot me a venomous look. Its just Sarah here, making my life difficult. Says a hundred dollars isnt enough for a client dinner and wants me to approve more. Can you believe the nerve? What a waste of company money.
I braced myself for another tirade from Seraphina. But instead, she slung an arm around my shoulder.
Brenda, thats where youre wrong. Sarah is one of our top salespeople! A budget increase is a small price to pay for a major deal. You go have dinner with the client, she said to me, her voice syrupy sweet. Dont worry about the cost. As long as you close the deal, the company will cover the entire bill, no matter how much it is.
I had to pinch myself. Was I hallucinating? Was this the same Seraphina who had slapped me just a few days ago?
I mumbled a thank you and quickly escaped the finance office, feeling a massive sense of relief. But hey, an unlimited budget was an unlimited budget. No more penny-pinching for me.
I arrived at the private dining room at the agreed-upon time. The moment I stepped inside, a small child appeared out of nowhere and rammed headfirst into my stomach. The impact sent stars exploding behind my eyes.
Where did you I started to snap, but the client rushed over and pulled the boy back.
Did he hurt you? Im so sorry. My wifes out of town, and I had no one to watch him, so I had to bring him along.
The clients son. Thank god I hadnt finished my sentence. Oh, its your son! No problem at all. Its good for a boy to be energetic.
We sat down and got straight to business. I had done my homework, and the conversation flowed smoothly. Before the main course even arrived, Mr. Henderson announced that he was ready to sign the contract the next day.
I was ecstatic. I raised a glass of wine. To our new partnership. Ill drink to that!
The next morning, I dragged my hungover self into the office.
Girl, you look like you got run over by a truck. Did you get into a fight last night?
I shot Chloe a tired look. The only thing on my mind was getting that dinner reimbursed. Sixty-seven hundred dollars was not a small sum.
I knocked cautiously on the finance office door. Brenda? Busy?
She glanced up at me. What is it? Spit it out.
I laid the receipt from the restaurant on her desk. The deal is closed. If you could just reimburse me for this Mrs. Thorne said the full amount would be covered.
She picked up the receipt with a bored expression. Then her eyes widened. Sixty-seven hundred dollars! What on earth did you eat?
Well the client ordered. Its not like I could stop him.
She continued down the list. A glass of juice for five hundred and eighty dollars? Was it made of liquid gold? And why were you ordering juice at a business dinner anyway? Was someone actually drinking it, or were you just padding the bill for a little kickback, Sarah? I think you have some explaining to do.
Okay, now I was angry. She was accusing me of fraud. But I needed that money, so I took a deep breath.
Mr. Henderson brought his son with him last night. The juice was for the boy.
CRASH!
Her glass shattered on the floor. Sarah, if youre going to lie, at least make it believable! Mr. Henderson doesnt have a son! Are you admitting to falsifying expenses for a kickback? I could have you arrested for this!
That did it. My patience snapped. Just because she didnt know didnt mean it wasnt true. If you dont believe me, go ask the restaurant. But thats your problem. My problem is that you need to reimburse me right now.
My sharp tone made her face flush with anger. Do you know who I am? How dare you speak to me like that! The company policy is a hundred dollars per meal. Thats what Im reimbursing you. The rest is on you.
Sixty-six hundred dollars out of my own pocket? Not a chance.
I leaned over the desk, my hands planted firmly on its surface. Are you absolutely sure youre not going to reimburse me?
She nodded without a seconds hesitation.
The next thing she knew, I had snatched the receipt and was storming into the bosss office.
He looked up, startled. What are you doing here? Did you close the deal?
I slapped the receipt down on his desk. The deal is closed. Now, are you going to pay for this or not?
Hearing that the deal was done, a flicker of glee crossed his face. He picked up the receipt, but his brow furrowed when he saw the total.
Tsk.
Sarah, this is way over budget.
Just then, Brenda rushed in. Mr. Thorne, Id like to report Sarah for submitting a fraudulent expense report to get a kickback. Just look at the details on this bill! Who orders a five-hundred-and-eighty-dollar juice at a business meeting?
Mr. Thorne scrutinized the bill, clearly looking for any excuse not to pay. The authenticity of this bill is questionable. How about this: once the contract is officially finalized and weve verified this receipt, well reimburse you the standard hundred dollars, and we can split the rest fifty-fifty.
Fifty-fifty? Was he serious?
I struggled to keep my voice even. Every single item on that bill is a legitimate expense. The juice was for Mr. Hendersons son. If you dont believe me, you can verify it yourself. But I will not accept your offer. Are you planning to split the profits from this deal with me fifty-fifty as well?
Mr. Thorne had the grace to look embarrassed. Its not that we wont reimburse you, its just this is an exorbitant amount. You should have checked with me before paying.
Mrs. Thorne said the budget was unlimited as long as I closed the deal.
Just as our argument was escalating, Seraphina herself breezed in, humming a little tune. Whats all the fuss about? Why are we shouting?
I tried to stay calm. Mrs. Thorne, you told me yesterday that if I closed the deal, the company would cover the full cost of the dinner, no matter what.
She blinked her big, innocent eyes. Did I say that? I dont recall.
Brenda shook her head vehemently. No, you never said anything like that to me.
Oh, I see. It was a setup.
I pulled out my phone and played the recording I had made of our conversation the day before.
Seraphinas sweet, encouraging voice filled the office. Sarah, dont worry. As long as you close the deal, the company will cover the entire bill, no matter how much it is.
The faces of Seraphina and Brenda turned a deep shade of crimson.
Mr. Thorne, I said, my voice dripping with false sweetness. Can I get that reimbursement now?
He waved his hand dismissively. Mr. Henderson will be here any minute. Lets get the contract signed first.
Fine. I could wait. I wouldnt let them derail this now.
We all filed into the conference room, where Mr. Henderson was already waiting.
Mr. Thorne, your Sarah is a real rising star. She has a bright future ahead of her.
At the praise, Seraphinas face soured.
After some pleasantries, we got down to the signing. Just as Mr. Henderson was about to put pen to paper, his assistant burst into the room, his face pale.
Mr. Henderson, its an emergency! Your son ate some cookies from the break room, and now hes foaming at the mouth!

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