Many workplaces give little sense of support to their staff. If an employer wants staff to show commitment to the firm this can be strengthened by treating staff as members of families, not just individuals doing a job, and showing an understanding of their needs, especially in times of stress. This does not always happen. Recently a man whose step brother was killed in an accident was refused compassionate leave to attend the funeral because the firm's policy on such leave did not extend to step relations. Often a woman returning to work and wishing to breast feed her baby has no place where she can sit and express her milk.
Many employees face criticism if there is a phone call from a family member during working hours.
Some are not permitted to take personal calls under any circumstances. Supportive experiences Contrast this with Diane's experience when her husband worked in Dodds Pharmacy. She and the children were welcome to join him in the staff room to eat lunch and they would sometimes use the room while waiting to drive home together after school. This type of arrangement builds staff loyalty. As a pharmacy manager her husband, Nigel, allows his staff to ring to check that the family have arrived home safely after school.