Give-and-Take

Renu worked from home for close to a week; this was quite unexpected of her since she led teams of over fifty people and her physical presence was inevitable for the office projects. Yet, she had been working from home. Vani, Renu’s best friend as well as next-door neighbour asked about this with Renu during their evening walk.

Renu mentioned to Vani that the housemaid requested to come home during alternate hours for about three weeks and hence, Renu had to be home to accommodate the request as well as do a part of the housework herself. This shocked Vani who challenged Renu as to why she compromised on the timing when in reality Renu was paying a handsome amount to the maid every month.  

Renu informed Vani about the maid’s daughter’s exams due to which the alternate working hours had to be agreed for. Renu admitted how the maid was absolutely right in her decision as well as in her right to ask for such an arrangement.

“Just imagine, Vani. I also work for a renowned organization that pays me a hefty amount every month. They reimburse my travel and food expenses too. When I need, I am allowed to work from home or go on leaves too without questioning. In fact, at the moment, if I am working from home, I do know it is a challenge for a few members back at work. They support me, though.”

Vani nodded patiently as she listened to what Renu described.

“My employer treats me with respect. Similarly, I am expected to do the same to my employee too. My maid works with utmost dedication for me and ensures she goes out of her way to make things easier for me. She too has a family who she is responsible for. She dreams to make her daughter a highly educated woman which I absolutely love. If approving of an alternate working hour arrangement for three weeks can help the young girl and my maid, then nothing like it. They are like my family. I would do it for them.”

Vani understood the profound reasons behind the arrangement and applauded Renu’s decision.

Sometimes, we take a few people for granted. It pays to notice their services and payback with gratitude. Give and take is a beautiful phenomenon when pursued with care.