If communicated and part of the deal, great. I personally think that an employment benefits both parties. And with the mentioned curtisyz that works well.

For example, I leave early for appointments, in the last weeks we had some troubles, so dinner for the hole family was on the employer, a while week of takeouts.

So, if my employer tells me that my vacation colides with a project, I am certain that he checked every possibility, and we try to find solutions, like interruptijg the vacation for a day and taking part in meetings from my hotel room.

And if I can not trust my employer enough, then I move on. I am in the lucky position that the stuff I do, most people can't.

"If my compensation includes paid time off"

The "If" is exactly the problem in America. Most countries with mandatory vacation specifically incentivise employees to use it all (little to no carry over, no payout at the end of year).

The entire purpose is that you use it all and are refreshed and more invested in your job.

You'd get looked at funny if you declared you planned on using your PTO, that's like saying you plan on taking a lunch break EVERY DAY. It's just expected