HR: We need you to start coming in an hour earlier and stay an hour later until the others return from leave. Me: An extra two hours every day? HR: Temporarily, yes. Me: And is that extra two hours paid? HR: Not at this stage. We’re asking everyone to make sacrifices while we’re short-staffed. Me: I understand teamwork. What I don’t understand is why teamwork suddenly means changing my working hours without changing my pay. HR: You’re still receiving your full salary. Me: For the hours stated in my contract. HR: This is an exceptional situation. Me: Then the compensation should be exceptional too. HR: Two people are on leave. We can’t just let the workload pile up. Me: Then the company needs to hire temporary staff. HR: That’s not always practical. Me: Neither is giving me ten extra hours of work every week for free. HR: We’re not asking you to do it forever. Me: You’re still asking me to do it without compensation. HR: Sometimes employees have to go the extra mile. Me: I’m happy to go the extra mile when the company is willing to recognize that I’m actually traveling an extra mile.