Loads of contributions on the productivity argument over the past 24 hours. Frank, Dick, Jon & Bran all chip in.
I'll just comment on one line from Dick. "Fear is a powerful motivator in a jittery economy. Take too many holidays or sick days and you might become dispensable"
My father used to say this about those who wanted extra (more than 2 weeks) vacation time: "If we don't need you after 2 weeks, we don't need you."