I'm having a hard time seeing some of these examples as doing an employee a favor.
No interest loans available to any employee who qualifies? That's an employee benefit, not a favor.
Leaving 20 min early to attend a concert? That's saying "thanks for your hard work because I know you'll make it up some other time."
I admit, I am too. To me, favors from a boss are something that maybe aren't "tangible" as in letting you leave a bit early for something, or coming in a little late.
Other things, such as personal loans or things like that, that are tangible, I don't know if I'd consider them to be favors. I know as I said upthread, i wouldnt' accept anything like that, but to me, they're much more than simple favors, in that they can possibly be used against you in the future.
I think all the things mentioned are favors, to one degree or another, and can be used against a boss (and the employee).
For example, if an employee is exemplary, works hard, hasn’t missed a day, is always punctual, gets along with everyone, etc. etc. and wants to leave 15 minutes early (for whatever reason, it doesn’t matter) they deserve it. But a boss doesn’t have to allow it. Their working hours are what they are.
A boss might refuse to allow a mediocre employee to leave early because it would truly disrupt work flow and result others having to cover. So, it’s “just a few minutes” but it would still create problems.
There can be accusations of favoritism, and sometimes the Boss will pull out the “after all I’ve done for you” card (as we saw in another thread).
As far as loans (low or no interest), unless employee loans and salary advances are an actual policy which is clearly explained upon hiring, I see that as a favor and not a good idea (imo)…..for a lot of reasons. I’ve never heard of a benefit package which includes paycheck advances/loans.