Absence makes...

Have you ever known somebody whose absence from work was a blessing?

I don’t mean a complete dork who eventually gets the push or a promotion - I’m thinking of somebody who is reasonably reliable and conscientious but somehow and with the best of intentions just gets in the way.

The boulder in the stream – solid and dependable but not part of the flow.

The effect is best seen when the person concerned goes on holiday and things suddenly begin to run more smoothly. Even if the missing person’s work has to be dealt with, it falls into place more easily than if he or she had been doing it.