B2 – Upper Intermediate
Many employers, according to researchers, particularly recruit competent degree holders seeking to pursue their aspirations, almost always marketable, sometimes ‘picture – perfect’ career choices. This can be advantageous in certain situations for these employees who are trying to find their way into their desired field. However, because companies know that career opportunities are always in high demand, young professionals can get buried in low-paying, demanding jobs. These circumstances can leave early-career employees holding out hope to establish themselves susceptible to exhaustion or discontentment at the beginning of their careers.
Read the article about how companies churn through young workers and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230111-the-companies-that-churn-through-young-workers
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “ to grind out ” mean here, “Of course, young employees are often expected to grind out the early years of their careers by showing ambition, persistence and resilience in the workplace – in some sense, ‘paying their dues’.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
- What does “ churn ” mean here, “There was just a steady churn of young, impressionable workers and nothing was ever done about it – it just became a test of who had the thickest skin.”? Use this word in a sentence.
- What does it mean “to have the thickest skin“?
Discussion Questions:
- What factors contribute to employees feeling valued and appreciated in the workplace?
- How do companies in your country make employees feel valued?
- What are the advantage and disadvantage of hiring fresh graduates?
- How are new graduates treated in your workplace? Please share.
- How was it like for your when you were starting out your career?
- What advice can you give to a young employee?