B2 – Upper Intermediate
Many companies have asked employees to return to the office after years of remote work. But with open office spaces becoming more common, employees need to be mindful of how their behavior affects others. Small things like keeping your voice down, eating neutral-smelling food, and keeping your desk clean can make the workplace more pleasant for everyone.
To learn more tips from corporate etiquette expert Thomas Farley, watch the full video.
Vocabulary Questions
- What does “to keep one’s volume down” mean in the sentence, “If you’re on the telephone, you really should keep your volume down.”? Use it in a sentence.
- What does “to reflect on someone/something” mean in the sentence, “If you’ve got the desk that looks like Pig Pen works there, it really reflects on the company very poorly.”? Use it in a sentence.
- What does “to be taken the wrong way” mean in the sentence, “You don’t want to have any calendars that might be taken the wrong way or might offend some other people in the workplace.”? Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions
- How do you feel about open office setups? Do they make work easier or more stressful?
- What office habits do you find most distracting?
- Why is it important to keep your workspace clean and organized?
- How can workers politely remind others to be mindful of noise or smells?
- What are some examples of office behavior that could be “taken the wrong way”?