I'm interested to know why you feel the question is insensitive. One of the biggest perks I look for in any position is the time off and how it's handled. If a company wants me working hard and giving them my best I want my time off to reflect that.
They are most likely going to clamp down on vacation time or deny it altogether when the times comes so I see the question as completely fair.
I mean I agree. If a restaurant I am eating at is on fire and the manager instead of making sure my fries are crisp and well seasoned is busy with other things, I will be totally pissed off.
One of the perk of eating good burger is great side of fries. If a restaurant manager can't even ensure that, then the place probably deserves what its getting.
Well it depends a lot on context I suppose. I thought it insensitive because it could come across as "I know you've just said you're going to lay a bunch of folks off, but since I'm on the lifeboat, can we talk a little bit about my time off..."
I look at it like this. When I signed up for the job you promised me this thing, we're in a bit of a downturn, am I still able to get that thing you promised me?
They are most likely going to clamp down on vacation time or deny it altogether when the times comes so I see the question as completely fair.