I literally told my employees back in the day that if for any reason a request was denied, just don’t show up anyway. I also never asked for a reason for the request. The building won’t burn down if you aren’t here. Just keep in mind that someone has to pick up the slack and pay it forward.

My direct boss always wondered why employees would come in on off days to cover shifts when I was there, but not him. Don’t be an ass, treat employees with respect, and surprise, surprise, people actually want to work.