Sometimes businesses seem to take on a life of their own. In many ways, they are these faceless machines that slot into, and fuel, an economy. Because of an awareness that a business must operate continuously, there can be the tendency of some employers to overlook the necessity of events that can get in the way of work.
Life events like bereavements, which are unavoidable for almost everyone, can sometimes be seen as an inconvenience to employers. Ultimately, the people aspect of a company, which is arguably everything to do with a company, cannot be treated like machines.