Unlimited, in theory

Shadow Harry first. He's skeptical but fair, and "I'm not saying it's a trick" is the line that keeps him from sounding negative. Give it weight. Then take Emma's part. She moves from excitement to a practical idea; let "What if we suggested a minimum?" sound like it has only just occurred to her.

1. EmmaHarry, did you see the announcement? Starting in January, vacation is unlimited.
2. HarryI saw. Everyone in the kitchen is excited.
3. EmmaYou don't sound excited.
4. HarryMy brother's company in Chicago did the same thing. People took fewer days, not more.
5. EmmaFewer? How is that possible?
6. HarryBecause nobody knew what normal was. Nobody wanted to be the person who took the most.
7. EmmaSo it's unlimited on paper, but in practice, people are scared to use it.
8. HarryExactly. And when you leave, nobody pays you for unused days, because there's no number.
9. EmmaHuh. I hadn't thought about that part.
10. HarryI'm not saying it's a trick. It could work here in Seattle. But only if managers take vacation themselves.
11. EmmaWhat if we suggested a minimum? Everyone takes at least fifteen days a year.
12. HarryThat's smart. Then nobody has to guess.
13. EmmaHR asked for questions before Thursday's all-hands. We could send it in.
14. HarryLet's do it. Write it as a question, not a complaint. How will they make sure people use it?
15. EmmaAnd we add the minimum idea as a suggestion.
16. HarryPerfect. And if they say yes, I'm taking three weeks in Japan.
17. EmmaSee? Now you're excited.