Tag: Work and Workplace

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many Gen Z workers are changing how they think about success at work and some are saying no to promotions. Rather than always aiming for bigger job titles or more duties, they’re choosing to focus on their mental health, free time, and doing work that feels meaningful.

Let’s read the article and learn more about why and how this generation is redefining success.

https://www.newsweek.com/gen-z-work-promotions-2034241

Vocabulary Questions:

1. Explain the meaning of the phrase “a defining part of something“. “Emma sees her job strictly as a source of income rather than a defining part of her identity.” Use it in your own sentence.
2. Define the verb “forgo“. “For 25-year-old Emma*, the decision to forgo promotions is a deliberate and deeply personal one.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
3. What is the meaning of “expendable“? “Emma’s concerns echo a wider sentiment among Gen Z workers who feel little loyalty toward employers who, in their view, see them as expendable.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Gen Z might value flexibility more than status?
2. How is Gen Z’s view of work different from older generations?
3. What does “success” mean to you in a job?
4. Would you accept a promotion if it meant more stress or less free time? Why or why not?
5. Can you think of a time when someone chose peace of mind over a higher position?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Every year, many people in Nagoya are injured on escalators—often because of walking or rushing. Despite the presence of signs and announcements, many commuters still move while riding, creating safety risks in crowded stations. To tackle this, the city introduced a new approach: the “Stop and Stand Squad.”

Let’s read the article and know more about this initiative.

https://www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/news-and-opinion/nagoya-standstill-teams-prevent-walking-on-escalators

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to follow suit” mean? “Nagoya then followed suit two years later. Though it is non-binding and there are no penalties for defying the rules, the ordinance in Nagoya appears to have had a significant impact on how people ride escalators.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What is the meaning of the phrase “to be met with“? “The initiative has been met with a mixed reaction on social media. “Let’s do it in Tokyo too,” posted one X user.” Use it in your own sentence.
3. Define “nuisance“. “Disagreeing, a fellow X user described Nagoya’s standstill teams as “nothing but a nuisance,” adding, “Just like on the highway, the left side is for people who are not in a hurry and the right side is for people who are.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about Nagoya’s initiative to promote escalator safety with the Standstill team?
2. Why does standing on an escalator sometimes make the flow of people faster?
3. On escalators, do you ride passively or hustle your way up? Why?
4. Are people in your city more likely to stay put or keep moving on escalators?
5. What factors usually make your commute feel rushed or relaxed?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When companies cut costs, layoffs often come to mind. But a new trend called “quiet cutting” is changing the game — employees aren’t losing their jobs, but they are being reassigned to different roles they didn’t sign up for. This subtle shift is becoming more common, especially in the tech industry, leaving many workers uncertain about their futures.

Read this article to learn more about quiet cutting.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/is-your-job-quiet-cutting-you-heres-what-you-need-to-watch-out-for-goog_l_683886b5e4b06202aa916fe1

Vocabulary Questions:

1. Define “ebb and flow“. “…these kind of reassignments can happen for roles that have transferable skills like recruiters, sales or support that also have natural ebbs and flows in their work streams.” Make a sentence with this phrase. Give a synonym or similar expression.
2. What does “put out feelers” mean? “I would probably start exploring options and putting out feelers just in case.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
3. What is the meaning of “retaliatory“? “But employees still have rights, especially if you believe the reassignment is retaliatory.” Make a sentence and give two synonyms of this word.

Discussion Questions:

1. How is “quiet cutting” different from a traditional layoff, and why might companies prefer it?
2. Do you think “quiet cutting” is a form of job security or a disguised punishment? Explain your insights.
3. If you were reassigned to a role you didn’t want, how would you respond?
4. What factors would influence your decision to stay or leave if you were to be reassigned?
5. Can quiet cutting be an opportunity for growth, or is it more likely to cause frustration and disengagement? Why?
6. What’s your opinion on this, “I would probably view this as a sign of potential trouble while also appreciating the opportunity to remain employed.”?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s fast-paced professional world, breadcrumbing isn’t just a strategy—it’s often used as a way to cope or stay afloat. Whether we mean to or not, most of us have played a part in breadcrumbing—whether as a boss, a colleague, or a job candidate. It’s become a common part of workplace behavior, often without us even noticing.
So what is breadcrumbing, really—and is it possible you’re engaging in it without knowing?

Read the article about breadcrumbing at work.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to follow through on one’s own words” mean? “The same applies to breadcrumbing at work, where a company, employee, or job seeker will give just enough time, attention, or talk to suggest they are totally interested and committed but they never actually follow through on their words.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
2. What does “buzzword” mean? “So, is breadcrumbing even a thing or just a buzzword doing the rounds?” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
3. What does “to keep someone/something warm” mean? “For example, as a recruiter there are many occasions where clients ask me to ‘keep a candidate warm’ after an interview because they cannot make an immediate decision.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

1. How is breadcrumbing different from normal delays or bureaucracy at work?
2. Do you think breadcrumbing is more common in certain industries or roles?
3. Have you ever experienced breadcrumbing at work or during a job search?
4. Do you think breadcrumbing is a form of workplace manipulation? Why or why not?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Among all employees, those young workers that are new to the workforce and black staff are at most risk to be subjected to surveillance at work.

It is urgent to have legal reforms so workers are able to decide on how they are tracked by their companies.

Read the article about workplace surveillance and algorithmic discrimination.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/tech/16c4429688b9400da8666cc60a9c3f6e

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is a “chilling effect”? “If surveillance has a chilling effect on people’s willingness to express themselves in the workplace, that may also decrease their satisfaction at work.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
2. What does “bake into” mean? “Increasing levels of surveillance of certain workers could “deepen the inequalities already baked into the labour market”, said Mr Evans, noting that black workers are more likely to be in jobs with a higher risk of “intrusive surveillance”.“ Use this phrasal verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.
3. What does “discrimination by algorithms” mean? “This includes safeguarding against invasion of privacy and discrimination by algorithms.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your reaction to and opinion about this, “Young people new to the labour market and black employees are among the most likely to be subject to surveillance in the workplace.”?
2. Do you think surveillance in the workplace is fair and necessary? Share your insights.
3. What are ways your company monitors you and your work?
4. Do you think employers/companies should disclose to their employees what data are being collected? Share your opinion.
5. Share your thoughts on this, “If surveillance has a chilling effect on people’s willingness to express themselves in the workplace, that may also decrease their satisfaction at work.”
6. Share some things you know about discrimination by algorithms. What are your thoughts on it?