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B2 – Upper Intermediate

As employees, we always strive to go up the corporate ladder as we stay longer in a company. As we become more successful in our career, we are faced with more responsibilities and challenges. These things cause stress. Studies in the past indicate that stress is a silent and deadly killer.

Read the article below then express your thoughts.

Ambition drives people at work to succeed, receive recognition, and eventually move up the chain of command.  And with promotions and increased responsibilities also come dreams of new cars, bigger homes, more exotic vacations, and perhaps an earlier, more fulfilling retirement.  Yet new research out of Britain irrefutably showed that promotions at work may actually harm the health of people.

Research indicated that the mental health of people worsened with a promotion.  What’s more, it wasn’t a short-term deterioration but instead continued for the long term.  Mental strain increased by an average of 10%.  In addition, people were more likely to skip visits to the doctor, citing stress and a general lack of time that unexpectedly came with the new job.  The research also showed that a promotion offered no health benefits whatsoever.

Past studies have shown what a silent and deadly killer stress can be, as it affects every part of the body.  Stress can lead to heart disease, cancer, depression, and even more bouts with the common cold because it slows or shuts down important bodily functions like digestion, physical growth, and parts of the immune system.  Although this is just temporary, frequent and severe stress causes the slow down to occur again and again.  The effects are compounded over time.

The findings came from an annual survey which also included information from roughly 1,000 newly promoted people.  And although the poor economy and the threat of joblessness loom large enough to cause stress for some, there’s now something else to worry about too: recognition and job promotion.

Source: headsupenglish.com

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “chain of command” mean, “Ambition drives people at work to succeed, receive recognition, and eventually move up the chain of command.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
2. What does “bout” mean here, “Stress can lead to heart disease, cancer, depression, and even more bouts with the common cold because it slows or shuts down important bodily functions like digestion, physical growth, and parts of the immune system.” Use this word in a sentence.
3. What does “compounded” mean, “The effects are compounded over time.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some areas that generally cause stress at work? How about areas for you at your job?
2. Do you agree that the new job responsibilities that come with a promotion are stressful?
3. Why are some people so ambitious that they seek promotions again and again?
4. Have you ever heard the term “work-life balance?” What do you think it means?