Tag: Work and Workplace

Multinational Companies to Hire Refugees

B1 – Intermediate

Wars and political problems have increased in many countries. This puts many people in danger. Due to this, they try to find a way to escape their country and they go to another where it is safer. 

To start a new life in a new country, refugees need a job. The good news is that big companies such as Adidas, Amazon, Pepsi, and Starbucks have promised to give refugees jobs.

Read the article about some multinational companies’ promise to give jobs to refugees.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2306/230622-multinational-companies-1.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “homeland”here, “Many people are fleeing wars or feel unsafe in their homeland.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “refugee” mean, “Multinational companies will give jobs to 250,000 refugees.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  3. What does ”diversity” mean, “It said refugees would add diversity and make the company stronger.”? Use this word in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do refugees leave their country?
  2. What is your opinion on multinational companies hiring refugees?
  3. What are other ways to help refugees?
  4. Do you agree or disagree that “refugees would add diversity to its workforce and would make the company stronger.”?
  5. Share your opinion on this, “Diversity brings creativity and different points of view.”.

Change Jobs Without Fear

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Changing jobs when you are unhappy seems like a good idea, but not everyone has the guts to do so. Going out of your comfort zone and the fear of the unknown makes it really scary for others to change jobs.

Watch the video to learn how to change jobs without fear.

https://edition.cnn.com/videos/business/2023/06/15/nightcap-changing-jobs-clip-orig-jc.cnn

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “upheaval” mean? “Changing jobs can feel like this dramatic major upheaval.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What is a “grumbler“? “The people who are chronically dissatisfied, the grumblers, they keep on being unhappier and unhappier.” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What does “perch” mean? “People who are really looking for a new perch, a new place that’s going to be good for them, they start getting happier again.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are some individuals afraid or hesitant to change jobs?
  2. What are the potential advantages of changing jobs for someone who is dissatisfied with their job?
  3. How can people overcome the anxiety or uncertainty that comes with changing jobs?
  4. Have you ever experienced dissatisfaction or unhappiness in your current job? If so, what were the main reasons?
  5. How do you typically handle fear or uncertainty when faced with major decisions or changes in your life?

Workers Quitting Digital Nomadism

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Traveling and working in different locations at the same time seems ideal. This working setup feels like a dream for most employees. However, people who have been doing it have found that it is different from what they imagined.

Read the article to learn more about people quitting digital nomadism.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230531-the-workers-quitting-digital-nomadism

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “ebb” mean, “After five years, however, the excitement of the nomadic lifestyle across the world began to ebb.“? Give two synonyms of this word and use them in sentences.
  2. What does “pin down” mean, “It’s difficult to pin down the exact number of these types of workers.“? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What is an “untethered worker“? “In other countries where data is less available, resources abound to help untethered workers make their way across the globe.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on digital nomadism?
  2. Name some challenges or drawbacks associated with being a digital nomad.
  3. What are some of the reasons cited by workers for leaving the digital nomad lifestyle?
  4. Would you like to experience being a digital nomad? Why or why not?
  5. How do you think being a digital nomad could impact your personal relationships and social life? Do you see it as an advantage or a challenge?

Au Pair Industry

B1 – Intermediate

Nowadays, most families have both the mother and the father working many hours during the day. If they have little children, it is hard to balance both work and family life. It is difficult to take care of the kids.

Having an au pair to help with taking care of the children is the perfect solution.

In the UK, Brexit has caused some significant decline in the au pair business. Because it became more complicated for other Europeans who want to become au pairs in the UK to enter the country and nurseries are also too expensive, many women had to decrease their working hours to care for their children.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the au pair industry in the UK.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/uk-au-pair-industry-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “nursery”? “As a result, families, especially women, have had to reduce their working hours due to the high costs of nurseries.” Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “drastic” mean? “Agencies have reported a drastic decline in business, up to 95%, due to stricter immigration rules for European citizens.” Give a synonym and use “drastic” in your own sentence.
  3. Explain what “settled status” mean. “However, the opportunities for au pairs to enter the UK have diminished. Currently, only a small group of individuals with settled or pre-settled status or those eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa can work as au pairs in the country.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How are au pairs helpful to the British people and their economy?
  2. How has the au pair industry been affected after Brexit?
  3. Are au pairs really a good option for cheaper child care? Explain your opinion.
  4. Is it better to make nurseries cheaper so more women do not need to take care of their children and so they can continue working? Explain.
  5. What do you think of the stricter immigration rules for European citizens to enter the UK?

Preparing for a Presentation

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Making an effective presentation depends primarily on preparation. In addition to helping you feel more confident, rigorous planning will guarantee that you have carefully considered the themes you want or need to convey in your presentation.

https://www.skillsyouneed.com/present/prepare-presentation.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “tailor” mean? “Tailoring your talk to the audience is important.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does “quell” mean? “It does much to quell fear if you can visualize the place while you are preparing for your talk.” Make a sentence using the word.
  3. What does the phrase “turn up” mean? “You will not be popular if you turn up on the day and announce that you have completely rewritten your presentation on the train.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which audience is preferable for presentations: a large or a small one? Why?
  2. Have you ever had to make a presentation in English? How did you find the experience?
  3. Do you think it would be a good idea to practise the presentation with your English teacher beforehand, or would this make the actual presentation less spontaneous?
  4. Do you write out everything you are going to say word for word, or do you just make general notes? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method?

The Dangers of a Nice Company Culture

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People seek genuine pleasant workplaces, not superficial ones. Seize the opportunity to reflect and assess whether your organization genuinely nurtures a culture of kindness or simply puts up a front.

This enlightening article delves into the hazards of a “nice” company culture.

https://www.applauz.me/resources/the-dangers-of-a-nice-culture

Vocabulary Questions:

Give the meaning of the highlighted words in the following sentences. Provide sample sentences.

  1. In short, is it possible to set the bar too low?
  2. Mistakes and toxic actions being swept under the rug.
  3. Nice cultures are guilty of the opposite — dancing around hard truths.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the article define “nice company culture” and why is it hazardous?
  2. Why do leaders pursue a nice culture in organizations?
  3. What are the downsides of a nice culture in an organization?
  4. How does open and honest communication help combat the hazards of a nice company culture?
  5. Have you faced challenges expressing dissenting views or giving candid feedback? How were they received, and what were the outcomes?

Women Drive Buses

B1 – Intermediate

In a very busy city, there are dedicated people who have a crucial role in keeping our communities connected and moving smoothly—bus drivers. Often disregarded, these heroes ensure that people reach their destinations safely and on time.

Breaking traditional gender roles and stereotypes, women entering the bus driving profession not only contribute to diversity and equality but also showcase their capabilities and skills in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about female bus drivers in Colombia.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/women-drive-buses-in-colombia-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1.  What does “on-site” mean in this sentence, “Drivers get a monthly salary of 376 dollars, and the company plans to build an on-site daycare center for its employees.” Use it in a sentence
  2. “Bogotá wants to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.” What does “emissions” mean? Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “run” mean in this sentence, “La Rolita is a Colombian electric bus fleet run by women and it is changing public transit in the capital city of Bogotá.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about women driving buses? Elaborate.
  2. Can you think of any challenges that women might face as bus drivers? How can these challenges be overcome?
  3. In which other professions would like to see more women breaking gender barriers in?

People Switch Careers to Teaching

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The role of an educator is instrumental in sculpting the minds of the youth, fueling the ambitions of future leaders, and leaving an enduring imprint on the very essence of society.

Many individuals, driven by a genuine passion for a subject and a desire to work with children, choose to switch careers to become teachers. 

Unlock the insights behind this career transition and discover the remarkable impact it can have on both teachers and their students by clicking on the link.

https://theconversation.com/working-with-kids-being-passionate-about-a-subject-making-a-difference-what-makes-people-switch-careers-to-teaching-205999

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “mid-career” mean, “A 2022 survey by the federal government’s Behavioural Economics Team found one in three mid-career individuals was open to the idea of teaching.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
  2. What does “make the switch” mean in the sentence, “Many had thought about becoming a teacher for a long time, calling it a longstanding interest or “someday” career. This desire often predated their first career choice, but life circumstances played a big role in choosing when to make the switch.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “longstanding interest” mean in the sentence, “Many had thought about becoming a teacher for a long time, calling it a longstanding interest or “someday” career. This desire often predated their first career choice, but life circumstances played a big role in choosing when to make the switch.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what ways can teaching provide an avenue for individuals to make a difference in the lives of children and society as a whole?
  2. Do you hold the belief that teaching is an esteemed and honorable occupation?
  3. Is teaching considered a popular and commonly chosen profession in your country? Why or why not?
  4. Share any personal stories or examples of individuals who switched careers to teaching and successfully made a difference in the lives of their students.
  5. Talk about your ideal vocation that you dream of attaining.
  6. What field or area of study has held your fascination over an extended period of time? Please share.

Your Productivity Needs More Breaks

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the fast-paced and demanding world of work, it’s easy to get caught up in a constant cycle of tasks and responsibilities. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, one crucial element often gets overlooked – breaks.

Taking regular breaks throughout the workday is not a luxury, but rather a necessity for maintaining productivity, focus, and overall well-being.

Read the article to know more about how taking regular breaks during the workday help improve performance, concentration, and overall, one’s mood. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://lifehacker.com/your-productivity-needs-more-breaks-1850400649

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “decompress” as used in the article. “After a long day of work, I like to decompress by taking a relaxing bath.” Use the word in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “stick to something” mean? “Despite facing challenges, she stuck to it and eventually achieved her fitness goals.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
  3. Explain the meaning of the expression “build the habit” as mentioned in the article. “By consistently practicing piano every day, she was able to build the habit of regular practice.” Use the expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, what is the prevailing belief about uninterrupted work and productivity?
  2. What are some of the negative consequences of not taking regular breaks at work?
  3. Do you agree with the article’s assertion that taking breaks can improve productivity? Why or why not?
  4. How do you personally prioritize and incorporate breaks into your work routine? What benefits have you experienced?
  5. Are there any challenges or barriers you face when trying to take breaks at work? How do you overcome them?

Future of Jobs

B1 – Intermediate

The future of jobs is a big topic now. Many people want to know what jobs will be available in the coming years. Technology is changing fast and it will impact the job market a lot.

Some jobs that are easy and routine may soon be done by robots or computers. This means that some jobs may disappear. But, new jobs will also be created such as those that require knowledge of technology like robots and artificial intelligence.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the future of jobs.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/future-of-jobs-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cut” mean in this sentence, “According to the report, technology and digitalization will both create and cut jobs.“? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to keep up with something“ mean, “Companies will need to adapt to new technologies and increase their digitalization to keep up with the changing job market.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. “All this means that the job market will see big changes in the coming years.” What is “job market“? Define and use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some technological advancements that are changing the job market?
  2. What skills do you think will be most important for workers in the future job market?
  3. How might the increase in teleworking impact the job market in the future?
  4. What are some problems related to the job market changes and how can they be solved?
  5. How might advancements in artificial intelligence impact the job market in the future?