Tag: Work and Workplace

Nagoya Standstill Teams Prevent People From Walking on Escalators

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?

Quiet Cutting

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.”?

Breadcrumbing at Work

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.

Breadcrumbing at work – why everyone is doing it (yes, even you)!

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?

Young and Black Workers at Risk of Workplace Surveillance

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?

Tech CEO’s Warning: AI to Wipe Out Millions of Jobs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A tech CEO warns that AI could replace millions of jobs, especially entry-level office work in law, marketing, tech, and finance. Some companies are already cutting jobs as they prepare for the AI era.

Experts say young workers with less experience are most at risk. To protect their careers, people should focus on human skills like teamwork and learn how to work with AI tools.

Let’s watch the video to learn more about how AI is about to wipe out millions of jobs.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “early career knowledge job” mean? “These new generative AI technologies pose a real risk to early career knowledge jobs.” Use this term in a sentence.
  2. What does “to get up to speed with someone/something” mean? “Anthropic CEO is pushing lawmakers to get up to speed on AI and to urgently look at ways to regulate this technology.” Give a similar expression and use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does it mean “to double down on something”? “Experts say to double down on what AI struggles with — making human connections and doing things in person.” Give a similar expression and use this phrasal verb in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to the warning that AI could wipe out millions of jobs in the next five years? How do you feel about this possibility?
  2. Do you agree with the advice to “double down on what AI struggles with,” like human connections and in-person work? Can you give examples?
  3. Share your thoughts on this statement: “If you can do your job locked in a closet with a computer, those are the things that are more worrying for AI. Things that have to be in person and really with people tend to be safer.” What jobs do you think fit this description?
  4. What skills do you think workers should develop to protect their careers from AI disruption?
  5. How do you feel about companies restructuring and downsizing due to AI advancements? Is it inevitable or avoidable? Explain.
  6. Do you believe that working alongside AI, rather than competing with it, is a realistic and effective career strategy? Why or why not?

Sighing at a Colleague Counts as Workplace Harassment

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Workplace harassment can manifest in many forms, including subtle behaviors that create an uncomfortable or even hostile environment.

While sighing at a colleague might seem minor, it can be perceived as dismissive or intentionally disrespectful.

Listen to the audio and read the article and learn more about how sighing at a colleague can be perceived as workplace harassment and its potential impact on office dynamics.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/sighing-workplace-harassment-tribunal

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “damning effect” mean? “In the tribunal’s ruling, the judge said that “reactions from others, verbally or as a gesture, can [have] a damning effect on his self-esteem and anxiety”.” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to be in line for something” mean in this context? “It means Mr Watson is now in line for compensation from Roke Manor Research, the company that invented the Hawk-Eye technology for sports including cricket, football and tennis.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. Define “net detriment“. “But evidence also showed that the manager had told the employee that he was becoming a “net detriment”. Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on Robert Watson’s case?
  2. What are your thoughts on the ruling by the UK court regarding this case?
  3. How does your workplace approach awareness and understanding of conditions like ADHD?
  4. How does your company offer support for workers with special needs?
  5. How can one navigate workplace challenges when frustrated with a coworker?

Gen Z’s Are Ditching College Degrees for Blue-Collar Careers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

US college enrollment is declining as more Gen Z students are choosing trade schools and blue-collar careers over traditional four-year universities. With college costs rising over 100% in the past 20 years and job security in degree-required fields becoming less reliable, many young people are turning to skilled trades like welding, construction, and landscaping, which offer quicker entry into the workforce and solid earning potential.

Stories like Morgan Bradbury’s welding career and Chase Gallagher’s landscaping business show how hands-on careers can lead to financial success without a college degree. This shift reflects a changing view of success, as more young workers respond to market demands and rising costs with practical, skill-based career choices.

Watch the video to learn more about this shift and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “blue-collar career” mean? “Morgan isn’t alone among her peers in choosing a blue-collar career over college.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this idiom in a sentence.
  2. What does “tout” mean? “Since the last half of the 20th century, a college degree has been touted as a must-have for a stable and successful career.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “for the long haul” mean? “Morgan Bradbury says she plans to stick with welding for the long haul but also wants to pass along her skills to others.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What factors do you think have contributed most to Gen Z’s shift away from traditional four-year colleges, and do you think this trend will continue? Why or why not?
  2. How might the rise in skilled trade jobs impact the perception of success and social status in American society over the next decade?
  3. With the increasing cost of college and the availability of good-paying jobs without a degree, should high schools place less emphasis on college preparation and more on trade skills? What are the risks and benefits of doing so?
  4. Morgan and Chase both found success outside of the traditional college route. What qualities or mindsets do you think contributed to their achievements, and how can schools better support students with different career goals?
  5. How might current U.S. tariffs on imported goods (such as steel, aluminum, or foreign machinery) affect the demand for skilled trades like welding, manufacturing, and construction? Could tariffs help or hurt the blue-collar workforce?
  6. In what ways could trade policies and tariffs influence the future career decisions of Gen Z workers, especially those considering careers in industries affected by international supply chains?

Chronoworking Helps Workers Excel

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Some believe that the best way to get the most out of employees is to allow them to do ”chronoworking”. This basically means you let them choose the work hours that best suits their biological clocks.

Read the article about what asynchronous working can do to workers’ productivity.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240220-chronoworking-productivity-hack

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “knock-on effect” mean? “Allowing staff to work when they’re at their best could boost performance and wellbeing, with a knock-on positive effect on employee retention.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. What does “to level the playing field” mean? “The approach has the added benefit of normalising flexible hours for parents or those with other responsibilities that make it tricky to stick to 9-to-5 restrictions, she adds. It levels the playing field.” Use this idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “chronotype” mean? “Originally coined by journalist Ellen C Scott, chronoworking enables employees to ditch standard office hours and pick schedules that match their personal “chronotypes” instead.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How is chronoworking beneficial to employees and companies alike?
  2. What might the downsides be of asynchronous work?
  3. What do you personally think about this work approach? 
  4. When do you think are you most productive during the day and why is that?
  5. Do you think your company could afford to implement this approach? Why or why not?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “It’s nonsensical that we all need to be working together all at one time. You get far more out of people if you operate around different chronotypes.”.

Gen Z Faces Career Apocalypse

B1- Intermediate 

Gen Zs are having a hard time finding work. Some experts are warning of a career apocalypse. 

Read the article how finding a job is getting more difficult for Gen Zs.  Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2504/250403-career-apocalypse.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “employment” mean? “Students who have just graduated from university cannot find employment.” Use this word in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to be better off” mean? “He said young people would “be much better off” if they became plumbers or electricians.” Use this expression in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “entry-level job” mean? “However, some people say many graduates no longer want to do ‘entry-level‘ jobs.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons it is difficult for Gen Zs to find a job?
  2. Is there a similar problem among young people in your country? Speak about it.
  3. Are people studying for “worthless degrees” in your country too? Talk about this.
  4. Do you agree or disagree: “Young people would “be much better off” if they became plumbers or electricians.”? Explain.
  5. What is your opinion on this, “New graduates do not want to do “entry-level” jobs. Instead, they want to enter a company at a management level and get well paid in their very first job.”?

Women Are Less Interested in AI than Men

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Artificial intelligence faces a gender-related challenge, which extends beyond the content it generates or any embedded biases within models. According to a recent survey, a significant gender gap exists in AI adoption, particularly among younger workers. The report revealed that Gen Z men are 25% more likely to experiment with AI tools than their female counterparts.

Let’s read the article to understand the reasons behind women’s lower interest in using AI compared to men.

https://theconversation.com/women-are-less-interested-in-ai-than-men-but-using-it-would-help-them-advance-at-work-233511#:~:text=It%20reported%20that%2059%20per%20cent%20of%20male,cent%2C%20compared%20with%2059%20per%20cent%20of%20women.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “see the glass as half empty or half full” mean? “In this area, as in so many others, you can see the glass as half empty or half full, depending on how optimistic you are.” Provide two synonyms or similar idioms.
  2. What does the phrase “increase sixfold” mean? “More specifically, between 2023 and 2032, the percentage of jobs with high exposure points to AI could increase sixfold, from eight per cent to 52 per cent.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of the verb “deplore“? “While we already deplore the fact that women are generally underrepresented in senior management in organizations, this phenomenon is apparently even more marked in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and consequently, in AI.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you find it surprising that men use generative AI more than women? Why or why not?
  2. Do you incorporate AI into your work tasks? If so, which software do you rely on?
  3. Have you undergone any AI training? If yes, was it helpful? If not, would you be open to participating in such training?
  4. Is AI prevalent in your industry, and do you anticipate its usage to evolve over time?
  5. Do you feel more optimistic or apprehensive about what the future holds for AI?