Tag: Work and Workplace

Detecting Lack of Trust in a Team

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A lack of trust in the workplace is the virus that can create a diseased workplace culture.

It often begins with leadership and spreads throughout the team, leading to a cycle of unhealthy responses that affect engagement and productivity.

Read the article to learn ways to detect lack of trust in a team.

7 Ways to Detect Lack of Trust in a Team

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “underpinning” mean? “Underpinning the ability to take risks in teams is psychological safety.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to put forward” mean? “This is the belief team members have that they will not be ridiculed or punished if they put forward new ideas, concerns or questions.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘to put forward’ in a sentence.
  3. What does “silo” mean? ” Closely related to a lack of communication is the formation of silos“ Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this, “Trust is a key ingredient for high performance teams.“.
  2. Do you agree or disagree with this, “If they do not trust each other, team mates will avoid spending any time together that they do not absolutely have to.” Explain.
  3. Is there enough trust among team members in your team? How can you tell? If not, why do you think this is the case?
  4. What does a lack of trust in a team lead to?
  5. What can management do to help foster trust among teams and employees?

Don’t Try to be Friends with Your Boss

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When the majority of waking hours are spent at work, it’s natural to want to create stronger bonds and friendships with team members and management.

Many times, we think being friends with our bosses is the key to a great life at work.

However, even if you have a great relationship with your boss, boundaries are essential in the workplace.

Read the article to know more why workplace coaches advise against being friends with your boss.

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/08/why-your-boss-cannot-be-your-friend-from-a-workplace-coach.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “pink slip” mean? “They might cry on the Zoom call with you, but they sure are going to hand you that pink slip.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “top-down” mean in this sentence, “Leaders in the workplace are accountable for results, including your performance and the performance of others. Top-down friendships can make these results seem biased– and many American workers agree.”? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to do right by someone” mean? “Where their desire to do right by you is going to conflict with their responsibility to their job.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the predisposed troubles caused by having a cordial relationship with the boss?
  2. Do you agree or disagree with this, “No matter how great of a relationship you have with your boss, it’s generally not the best idea to be friends with them.”? Share your thoughts.
  3. Do you believe that a personal relationship can make things complicated when bosses may need to make difficult decisions? Explain.
  4. Managers are responsible for performance reviews. Do you think top-down friendships can affect these results? Explain.
  5. The foundation of your professional relationship with your boss has to be the performance and not interpersonal connection. Share your insights on this.
  6. How can one establish boundaries at work? How do you maintain boundaries between you and your boss? Or if you are a manager, you and your team?
  7. Talk about favoritism in the workplace.

Energy Vampire Co-Worker

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Do you ever feel emotionally fatigued or drained after engaging with a certain coworker? You may be dealing with an “energy vampire,” a person who drains your energy and leaves you feeling empty. These energy-sapping colleagues can be tough to interact with.

Read the article to the signs your co-worker is an ‘energy vampire’ and how to set boundaries when one has to deal with them.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/energy-vampire-work-office_l_65679997e4b07b937ff3672c

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lopsided” mean? “If it’s always lopsided in your favor, that could be a potential sign that you’re draining your co-workers.” Give two synonyms and make a sentence with “lopsided”.
  2. Explain the expression “to feed off of someone/something“. “Robinson looks like an ordinary human, but he is a superpowered vampire who feeds off of bothering and boring his colleagues.” Make a sentence using this idiom.
  3. What does “speed bump” mean here, “Thinking of them that way may help you see they are a person, just like you, but who had some speed bumps and poor guidance that resulted in this unfortunate interpersonal style,” so “knowing this may give you some more patience and compassion when interacting with them.”? Give two synonyms and make a sentence using ‘speed bump’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some common behaviors or traits exhibited by “energy vampire” co-workers that can drain your emotional energy in the workplace?
  2. Have you noticed a colleague who seems to drain the energy from the room? How is it like dealing with this person?
  3. What are ways for you to deal with these energy-draining colleagues in your daily work life?
  4. How do you keep your energy levels up at work?
  5. What can one do if their energy vampire boss is not listening to them or their requests?

Power of Personal Development in Building Wealth

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the quest for success and financial prosperity, many focus on external investments, but there’s a potent yet often overlooked strategy: investing in oneself through personal development. This ongoing journey involves enhancing knowledge, skills, and overall well-being.

Personal development takes varied forms, from attending seminars to caring for physical and mental health. It’s a holistic approach that not only boosts intellectual prowess, but also nurtures qualities vital for success.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/investing-yourself-power-personal-development-building-wealth/

Vocabulary Discussions:

  1. What does “personal development” mean, “By focusing on personal development, you can increase your earning potential, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and gain numerous other benefits that can help you achieve your goals.? Construct a sentence using this phrase.
  2. What does “entrepreneurial mindset” mean in the sentence, “You can increase your earning potential, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and gain numerous other benefits that can help you achieve your goals”? Use this in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “venture” mean in the sentence, “By learning how to identify opportunities, take risks, and innovate, you can start your own business or invest in entrepreneurial ventures that have the potential for high returns.“? Construct a sentence using this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you define personal development and why do you think that this is referred to as an investment?
  2. How can developing new skills and knowledge impact your career advancement, especially in your chosen field?
  3. Do you believe that continuous learning is essential for career growth? Why or why not?
  4. What is a “growth mindset,” and why is it considered essential for long-term success? Can you share an example from your own life where having a growth mindset helped you overcome a challenge?
  5. How do you currently invest in yourself for personal development? Are there specific goals you would like to achieve through personal development soon?

Doctors Operate Without Electricity

B1 – Intermediate

In a world powered by electricity, imagine doctors performing surgeries without it. In certain corners of the globe, and in unexpected moments, medical professionals find themselves in situations where the lights go out, but they need to proceed with the operation.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about doctors operating without electricity.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/doctors-operate-without-electricity-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “rain down on someone/something” mean, “Russian missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital city on Wednesday when the Kyiv Heart Institute unexpectedly lost light, power, and water.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “jump into action” mean, “Hospital staff jumped into action and started a backup generator to keep the support system running.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “blackout” mean? “The blackout happened amid heavy Russian bombardment in Ukraine that cut electricity and water across the capital and other parts of the country.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Question:

  1. How did the hospital workers respond to the interruption in electricity?
  2. What challenges do you think the doctors faced when operating without electricity?
  3. Why do you think the doctors decided not to wait for the electricity to be restored?
  4. Have you ever experienced a situation where there was a power outage? How did people around you respond?
  5. How important do you think electricity is for hospitals and medical procedures?
  6. How could the lack of electricity and water affect the daily lives of people in the city?

Benefits of Pharmaceutical Jobs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The pharmaceutical industry is nothing without the people who work in it. Pharmaceutical industry offers different jobs for people with different educational background and skills. 

Read the article to know why there’s a need for pharmaceutical professionals.

https://www.catalystcareers.com/insights/blog/discover-the-benefits-of-pharmaceutical-jobs/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of “dynamic”? “The pharmaceutical industry is a dynamic and exciting field that offers a wide range of career opportunities. ” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is “cutting-edge”? “They work in laboratories, using cutting-edge technology to develop new treatments for diseases. ” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is “innovation”? ” In contrast, the pharmaceutical industry is driven by innovation and research, which creates a more stable and predictable work environment.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the benefits of working in the pharmaceutical sector?
  2. According to the article, why is there an increasing need for pharmaceutical professionals?
  3. Why are pharmaceutical companies important?

Examples of Employee Incentives

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Incentives come as form of reward employers provide to their employees to recognize their invaluable contributions to the organization.

These professional development opportunities are intended to boost workers’ morale, motivation, and consequently, productivity at work.

Read the article and check out some examples of employee incentives. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/examples-of-incentives

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the difference between ”tangible reward” and “intangible reward”? ”The promise of an incentive—from an intangible reward like recognition to a tangible reward can motivate employees to work harder and use their time at work productively.” Use these words in sentences.
  2. What is a ”top talent”? “In a competitive marketplace, workplaces that reward employees with comprehensive benefits are better able to attract top talent and make sure they stay.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “well-rounded” mean, “Many offices include in-house amenities as a way to provide their employees with a more well-rounded workplace.”? Give 2 synonyms and use “well-rounded” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are employee incentives important?
  2. Is it okay to accept a job because of the incentives it offers? Share your thoughts.
  3. Name incentives (compensation, activities, perks) your company offers its employees.
  4. What incentives (compensation, activities, perks) would you like to receive?
  5. What professional development opportunities would you look for in your next company?

India’s Luxury Fashion Industry

B1 – Intermediate

The world of luxury fashion is synonymous with high-end style and craftsmanship, often associated with European heritage. However, there is a lesser-known side to this glamorous industry. Behind the scenes, India plays a crucial role in the creation of many luxury garments.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about India’s luxury fashion industry.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/indias-luxury-fashion-industry-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “lack of transparency” mean? “ This lack of transparency has raised questions about the ethics of the fashion industry.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “finishing touch” mean? “One example is a jacket that retails for 43,000 Euros and underwent over 2,000 hours of embroidery work in India; however, it received less than 100 hours of finishing touches in Europe, despite bearing a ‘Made in France’ label.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to build on something” mean? “However, it remains a complex issue in an industry built on exploitation and secrecy.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you feel about the idea that many luxury fashion brands manufacture their products in countries like India, but often label them as being made in Europe? Elaborate.
  2. What are the reasons luxury fashion brands choose to produce their goods in countries with lower labor costs like India rather than in their home countries?
  3. Are you willing to pay a premium for a luxury fashion item even if you know it was made in a country with lower labor costs, or does the “Made in” label matter to you? Explain.
  4. How do you think the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the luxury fashion industry and its reliance on global manufacturing?

Store Staff Get Body Cameras for Protection

B1 – Intermediate

A new security measure has been rolled out for Tesco workers in the UK following the rise in violent attacks on its staff recently. The company has invested tens of millions of pounds in four years on different security measures such as door access systems, protection screens etc.

Let’s read the article and know more about this new protective measure Tesco has for its staff.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2309/230907-supermarket-workers.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the verb “punch“? “More and more staff are being punched or threatened with knives by angry people.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define the word “assault“.”A spokesperson said the number of physical assaults on its workers has risen by a third in a year.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the word “scourge” mean in this context? “Crime is a scourge on society, and an insult to shoppers and [shop] workers.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are Tesco workers offered to wear body cameras?
  2. According to the article, why are supermarket staff being attacked in the UK?
  3. What security measures do supermarkets in your country have for its workers?
  4. What do you think of body cameras as a means to protect supermarket employees from possible attacks?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Attacks on supermarket staff are a sign that Britain is “broken”.“.
  6. What are some safety and security measures at your job?

Love Languages at Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The idea of “Love Languages” has become well-known in the context of personal relationships because of its profound influence on understanding and expressing love. However, these languages’ impact doesn’t end at the threshold of our homes.

Surprisingly, they are just as important in the larger picture of our professional lives. Knowing and understanding your individual “Love Language” at work can be an empowering discovery that greatly enhances your interpersonal interactions, productivity, and level of job satisfaction.

Click on a provided link to learn more about ‘Love Languages’ in the workplace and understand how it can be a powerful tool for building stronger relationships with colleagues, superiors, and subordinates.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/love-languages-exist-at-work-heres-how-to-figure-out-yours_l_651eec6be4b09ff8b7dad12f

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “missing the mark” mean in the sentence, “If a leader or colleague only uses words for showing appreciation, they’re likely missing the mark for over half of their team members.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to be big into something” mean in the sentence, “If they’re big into pickleball, get a group fund going for a highly-rated paddle they’d otherwise probably pass up because of the price tag.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to take an action item off someone’s plate” mean in the sentence, “What can I do to help this person or take an action item off their plate?”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the languages of appreciation in the workplace?
  2. How can identifying your workplace ‘Love Language’ enhance your relationships with colleagues and superiors?
  3. How might a better understanding of ‘Love Languages’ contribute to increased job satisfaction and overall well-being in a professional environment? Please share.
  4. In what ways does acknowledging and valuing employees’ efforts impact overall productivity and morale? Tell me more.
  5. In your experience, what are some of the most effective ways to express gratitude in the workplace? Please share.