I recently started a new job. I had been sick over the weekend and had to call out yesterday because of it.

Today I had a lot of trouble waking up. I left for work and forgot my lunch on the table, because my brain just wasn't there.

But a minute into my drive, I got a call from my manager. "I know what it's like to head back to work after being sick, so if you want, you can come in an hour later today."

The relief I felt was tremendous. I turned right around, put my lunch somewhere I can't possibly forget it (under my phone and keys), and I'm about to head out more awake and ready than I would've been an hour ago. Not every job has a manager that treats their employees as human beings, but knowing that my manager proactively considered my well-being left me with an intense feeling of gratitude.