Tag: Work and Workplace

Handling the Parent-Teacher Conference

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Teachers play a crucial role in our children’s lives.

They are not just educators, but also mentors, role models, and caregivers. Despite this, many students may see their teachers as the enemy, especially when they receive bad grades or have conflicts in the classroom. However, it is important to remember that teachers have the best interest of their students at heart and are there to support them in their academic and personal development.

Read the article to learn how to be a better parent and maintain a good relationship with your child’s school teachers.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/21/health/parent-teacher-conference-wellness/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “laundry list“? “If you’re thinking of marching into your parent-teacher conference with a laundry list of complaints, think twice.” Create a sentence using the phrase.
  2. What is the meaning of “to give someone the benefit of the doubt“? “Because she decided to give the teacher the benefit of the doubt, she was able to start the conversation calmly.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to talk ill about someone? “This also means that parents shouldn’t criticize a teacher in front of their child. “When you talk ill about a coach or a teacher, what you’re doing is you’re undermining that relationship,” she warned.”  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What did you learn from this article?
  2. Can you describe your relationship with your child/children’s teachers?
  3. Do you agree with this, “Parents shouldn’t criticize a teacher in front of their child.“? Explain your stance.
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “If parents heed the advice to approach teachers as partners in their children’s success, and treat them with civility and gratitude.”.
  5. What is your opinion on this, “Teachers spend a lot of time with their students, so they often have valuable insights to share with parents.“?

The Rise in Fake Job Listings

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Hopeful job seekers spend countless hours accomplishing online application questionnaires and going through several initial stages of the job application. That is why it is especially discouraging when they don’t hear anything back from the employers. In most cases, this lack of response is due to a competitive talent market. However, new data shows that some of these jobs never existed in the first place.

Let’s read the article and know more about “ghost jobs”.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/22/ghost-jobs-why-fake-job-listings-are-on-the-rise.html?msockid=3e823237b7b86c5f2f8f21e1b6ac6ddf

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “intention behind something” mean? “And whether there is truly a hiring intention behind that from the employer’s point of view.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define “tight labor market“. “According to June’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, there are 0.8 unemployed individuals per job opening, indicating a tight labor market.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the verb “muddying“? “The rise of ghost jobs is muddying the jobs report.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your take on companies posting fake job listings?
  2. Why do so many companies post ghost jobs?
  3. How would you feel if you found out a job you had applied for wasn’t real?
  4. How can you spot fake job listings?

The Importance of Team Building

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Team building can be a demanding and occasionally stressful task for HR professionals, but the investment of time and effort pays off significantly. Why is team building essential, and what is the true return on investment (ROI) of organizing events and activities beyond regular work routines?

Read the article to find out more about the importance of team building.

https://teambuilding.com/blog/team-building-importance

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the adjective “close-knit” mean? “The following are reasons to foster a close-knit relationship among employees.” Give 1 synonym and use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the term “turnover cost” mean? “With fewer employees leaving, you save on turnover costs and valuable time since you do not have to undergo an onboarding process.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to pull in the same direction” mean? “Thus, employees can more easily see how their individual efforts fit into the larger organizational mission. This alignment is vital because it ensures that the various teams pull in the same direction.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your definition of team building, and why do you think it is important in the workplace?
  2. Do you believe team building has a long-term impact on employee performance? Why or why not?
  3. In your opinion, what are the most important benefits of organizing team-building events?
  4. Do you think team building is necessary for all organizations, regardless of their size? Why or why not?

Trends Shaping the Future of Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The future of work is being fundamentally transformed by five key trends: globalization, technological innovation, shifting demographics, evolving workplace behaviors, and greater mobility. Each of these factors is driving change in its own way, but what is unprecedented now is how they are converging simultaneously.

Watch this video about the five trends that are challenging everything we know about work.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “tap into” mean? “Organizations can tap into talents anywhere in the world.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘tap into’ in your own sentence.
2. What does the expression “digital native” mean? “Millennials are digital natives that expect and want to work in ways that reflect the year we live in.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does the term “rethink” mean? “This is forcing organizations to fundamentally rethink and reimagine the way we work technologies.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is your company keeping up with current employment trends?
  2. How is your company thinking about and planning for the future of work? Elaborate.
  3. How has every aspect of business behavior changed in your country over the years?
  4. Share your insights on this, “In the future of work, technology is the central nervous system of the organization that enables everything else to function.“.
  5. Are there any jobs that you think will not exist in 20 years’ time? What are they?
  6. What impact has migrant labour had on your country in recent years? Would you like to see more or less in future?

The ‘Lucky to Be Here’ Generation Could Learn from Gen Z

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In uncertain times, many adopt a “lucky to be here” mindset, which can undermine our career self-worth and control. While Millennials often settle for less due to hustle culture, Gen Z is redefining job satisfaction with a more balanced approach. By learning from Gen Z, we can better advocate for ourselves and achieve a healthier work-life balance.

Read this article to learn what Gen Z has to teach the ‘Lucky to Be Here’ Generation.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lucky-to-be-here-bad-career-advice_l_66a13723e4b0ac6125bcee32

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “over-index” mean? “Most people over-index on insecurity, but there are definitely some folks who swing to the other side of the pendulum a little bit too hard when they’re trying to escape that insecurity and fail to look at their growth area.” Use this in a sentence.
  2. Define “touchstone“. “If you, like me, were a Millennial who grew up watching “The Devil Wears Prada,” then this movie became one of your earliest touchstones of a “lucky to be here” mindset.” Give two synonyms and use “touchstone” in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to swing to the other side of the pendulum”? “Most people over-index on insecurity, but there are definitely some folks who swing to the other side of the pendulum a little bit too hard when they’re trying to escape that insecurity and fail to look at their growth area.” Make a sentence with this.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of the “lucky to be here” mindset?
  2. Have you ever felt like you were just “lucky to be here” in your job? How did that mindset affect you?
  3. How did your upbringing or family background influence your views on job security and career advancement?
  4. What aspects of Gen Z’s approach to work do you find inspiring or challenging for your own career?
  5. How can the “heads down, grind it out” attitude lead to burnout and unhealthy loyalty?

South Koreans Flock to Blue-Collar Jobs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In recent years, South Korea has witnessed a notable shift in employment trends, with a growing number of young people opting for blue-collar jobs.

This trend challenges traditional views that prioritize white-collar careers as the path to success. Factors such as economic instability, high youth unemployment, and the rising cost of higher education are driving this change. Additionally, blue-collar jobs often offer stable employment, decent wages, and opportunities for skill development.

Watch the video to know the reasons behind this emerging trend and its implications for South Korean society and the economy.

https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV11i421v75o/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What doe s the phrase “to be in full swing” mean? “More renovations are in full swing at this apartment.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the expression “has seen better days” mean? “Those taking the civil servant exams would normally flock to these food stalls for a cheap bite but with fewer people taking the test, the street has seen better days.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to pay off” mean? “Even though it is exhausting, the work is paying off as his current income is double his former salary.” Make a sentence using the expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on this work trend?
  2. What economic conditions in South Korea might be contributing to the rise in young people seeking blue-collar jobs? How do these conditions compare your country?
  3. How has the saturation of certain job markets, such as those requiring higher education, affected the trend of young people moving towards blue-collar jobs?
  4. How are technological advancements in blue-collar industries making these jobs more attractive to the younger generation?
  5. How do the work-life balance and job security of blue-collar jobs compare to white-collar jobs in South Korea? How about in your country?
  6. How might these factors influence career choices?

Why Does Japan Work So Hard?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Japanese workers are known for their strong work ethics and dedication to their jobs, often working long hours and rarely taking vacations. This cultural phenomenon can be attributed to a variety of factors that have shaped the country’s labor practices and attitudes towards work.

Japan’s strong work ethics can be attributed to a combination of cultural values, societal expectations, and economic pressures. While this dedication has led to impressive economic growth and technological advancements, it has also raised concerns about work-life balance and employee well-being.

As Japan continues to navigate through these challenges, it will be important for both individuals and policymakers to find ways to promote healthier attitudes towards work while still maintaining the country’s reputation for diligence and work excellence.

wLearn more about why Japanese work so hard by watching the video.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to curb the number” mean? “Japan’s government has considered several initiatives to curb the number of hours spent at the office, including making it mandatory to take at least five vacation days a year and requiring a rest period between the end of one day and the start of another.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does the noun “to put in the hours” mean? “In order to maintain its massive size, Japan needs to put in the hours.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “to fill in the gap” mean? “So without more immigrants, it’s looking to robotics to fill in the gap.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why does Japan work so hard?
  2. What are Japan’s work culture problems and what are their solutions to these problems?
  3. Share your thoughts on the culture of overworking.
  4. How does the work culture in your country compare to Japan?
  5. Cite some examples of work culture issues in your country.

Japan Keeps Its Elderly Employed

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Japan’s labor shortage caused by its aging population and declining birth rates has become a pressing issue. To address this challenge, many seniors are stepping into new roles within the workforce. This trend not only helps mitigate the labor gap, but also allows older adults to stay active and engaged in society. The involvement of seniors in various sectors is reshaping Japan’s labor landscape and prompting discussions on the potential benefits and challenges of an aging workforce.

Read this article and also watch the video on how elderly workers help Japanese companies make up for labour shortages.

https://www.dw.com/en/how-japan-keeps-its-elderly-employed-and-active/a-59516633

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sprightly” mean? “A sprightly and energetic 68-year-old, Atsuko Kasa says she has absolutely no intention of slowing down.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘sprightly’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the word “silver” mean here, ““However, elderly people today are so much more healthy and energetic than back then, and they simply do not consider themselves to be ‘silver‘.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘silver’ in the same context in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to forgo” mean? “Kasa, who used to work in the accounting department of a cosmetics company, is one of the legions of elderly Japanese citizens who have opted to forgo the traditional retirement hobbies of gardening, get-togethers with friends and looking after the grandchildren.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘to forgo’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on “gig work” for pensioners?
  2. What are the main factors contributing to Japan’s labor shortage?
  3. Do you think the integration of seniors into the workforce is a viable long-term solution to Japan’s labor shortage? Why or why not?
  4. How might the presence of seniors in the workforce influence workplace dynamics and intergenerational relationships?
  5. Do you believe there is an age limit beyond which individuals should not be expected to work? Why or why not?
  6. How can society balance the need for seniors in the workforce with the need to provide opportunities for younger workers?

Unhappiness Leave

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Read this article to learn more about the so-called “unhappiness leave”.

Imagine this scenario: rather than being obligated to remain at work when start having work blues, you’re given the freedom to take a day off whenever you’re not feeling your best. This is the idea behind “unhappy leaves”, a new concept gaining attention. It’s a departure from the old belief that work equals fulfilment or satisfaction.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/may/12/workers-unhappiness-leave-beats-awaydays-work-life-balance-seminars-yoga

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mealy-mouthed” mean? “That may be a translation quirk – perhaps it sounds as mealy-mouthed as “mental health day” in the original – but the translation still gets to a basic truth: work doesn’t make us happy.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  2. Define “rip-roaring“. “It can be fulfilling, interesting, even important for a few, but it’s rarely a rip-roaring good time.” Make a sentence with this.
  3. What is the meaning of “studded with something“? “There’s the obvious prompt of the 1st – workers’ day, celebrated by not working in all right-thinking places – and the month is studded with days off in mainland Europe, like chocolate chips in your breakfast pastry.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. State your stand on this, “If you’re not happy, do not come to work.“.
  2. What do you think about the idea of having “unhappy leave” as a benefit in your workplace?
  3. How do you typically handle days when you’re feeling unhappy or demotivated to work?
  4. In your opinion, what could be benefits and drawbacks of having “unhappy days” in other workplaces?
  5. How do you think cultural attitudes towards work and happiness differ around the world?
  6. If you could implement a new policy or benefit in your workplace to improve well-being and happiness, what would it be?

Selling Yourself

B2 – Upper  Intermediate 

Knowing how to talk about your accomplishments at work is quite the skill to have. This could come handy if you wish to step up the corporate ladder or land that job you are applying for. In some instances, you will have to make the gatekeepers in your workplace to take notice of and come to appreciate your work.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about selling yourself at work.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english/240325

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sell yourself” mean? “Now, some people hate saying good things about themselves, so we’ll start with how to talk about your strengths and then we’ll discuss the kinds of questions you might be asked in an interview or by your manager that give you an opportunity to sell yourself.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to have confidence in someone” mean, “I definitely think it’s important to be able to sell yourself at work, not only for your managers and your bosses and even your colleagues to have confidence in you and your work and what you’re able to produce, but also to give yourself that confidence.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “appraisal” mean here, “So we’ve got lots of ways to talk about our strengths. But when’s the best time to do it? When we’re in a job interview or an appraisal, sometimes it’s not clear what the best answers are, Phil.”? Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is important to know how to sell yourself?
  2. What might be other situations where this skill would be useful?
  3. Generally, how does talking about your achievements make you feel?
  4. If you are to sell yourself, how would you do it?
  5. Talk about an instance where you had to sell yourself at work. What could you have said differently?