Tag: work

Seniors in the Workforce: Benefits and Challenges

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The question of whether it is acceptable to hire seniors to work is a topic that has continued to bewilder companies. Some argue that seniors bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the workplace, making them valuable assets. Others believe that some cases of hiring seniors could lead to age discrimination.

Learn about the advantages and difficulties of recruiting a senior employee by reading the article.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/seniors-workforce-benefits-challenges-lee-a-mccue/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “minted” mean? “Even if a senior is starting a job in a new field, he or she has already had years of work experience to help them be more professional and poised than many of the newly minted job prospects coming fresh out of high school or college.”  Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “open to the idea” mean? “Employers should be open to the idea of hiring senior citizens for their companies.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to hop from one thing to another” mean? “This is because they are not looking to advance their careers and they are less likely to hop from one job to another for higher salaries or better benefits.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hiring senior citizens that the article mentioned?
  2. What is your opinion on continuing to work during your supposed retirement years?
  3. For how long are you going to work and why?
  4. Does age discrimination in hiring practices occur in your country? How can you tell?
  5. What aspects of becoming a senior employee do you look forward to?

Maximizing the Value of Your Business Trip

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the fast-paced world of sales, every business trip presents a unique opportunity for growth, networking, and closing deals. Understanding how to make the most of these trips can be the difference between a mediocre sales period and a record-breaking one. 

Read the article to help you maximize the value of your next business trip.

Maximizing the Value of Your Business Trip

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to miss out on something” mean? “While these trips are primarily about work, it’s essential not to miss out on the opportunities to explore and enjoy the destination you’re visiting.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to mix business with pleasure” mean? “After all, mixing business with pleasure can lead to a more fulfilling and productive experience.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “pocket of something” mean? “While business trips can be demanding, they often come with pockets of free time, such as evenings or weekends.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think it is a good idea to mix business with pleasure? Share your thoughts/experiences.
  2. How do you ensure that you are able to maximize the value of your work travels?
  3. What are the benefits and drawbacks of business travels?
  4. What do you like doing in your free time on business trips?
  5. How do you take advantage of your business trips for networking opportunities?
  6. How do you document your work travels both on a personal and professional level?

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.

Questions about Your Job Right Now

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to become engrossed in our jobs’ routines without pausing to consider our job satisfaction and overall well-being. Asking yourself significant inquiries about your present position might offer helpful perspectives and assistance in navigating through your professional journey.

Click on the link to learn more about some questions you should ask yourself to help you level up your career.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-year-career-questions_l_65944414e4b0bf73e1777846

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “pain point” mean in the sentence, “And for many of us, our careers can be a big pain point or a confusing open question.”? Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  2. What does “to be back on one’s feet” mean in the sentence, “And the next time there’s mass layoffs, budget cuts, an economic downturn, the faster you’ll be back on your feet and the more of a cushion you’ll have should you be subject to any of those things.”? Use the idiom in your own sentence.
  3. What does “to fill one’s cup” mean in the sentence, “Licensed clinical psychologist Cynthia Shaw said asking yourself “What fills your cup?” can help you reflect and better identify what you are looking for professionally, “whether that be making financial strides or gaining promotional shifts, taking part in entrepreneurial startups or nonprofit volunteer opportunities, or learning how to incorporate better work-life balance.””? Use the expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the main message of the article?
  2. What are some work-related resolutions you’ve got this year?
  3. Why does the article emphasize the importance of self-reflection in the context of one’s career?
  4. What are the suggested actions for individuals facing a lack of growth opportunities in their current positions?
  5. Do you engage in self-assessment regarding your work? Please share.
  6. What methods do you use to measure your progress and overall job satisfaction? Tell me more.

Japan Millennials Turn Down Promotions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s fast-paced and competitive job market, it is not uncommon for millennials to decline job promotions and for flashy job titles not to motivate them anymore. While this decision may seem perplexing to some, there are several reasons behind this trend.

See why Japanese millennials are rejecting career advancements by reading the article.

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/20/ive-lived-in-japan-for-18-years-why-i-am-much-happier-after-turning-down-a-big-job-promotion.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the meaning of the noun “parity “? “But even with a new title, I wouldn’t be at parity with the other managers.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does the adjective “multifaceted ” mean? “My definition of success today is more multifaceted.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. Define the phrase “to the detriment of“. “Managers are held accountable for their subordinates’ every mistake, and are expected to display selfless leadership, often to the detriment of their personal lives.”  Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on and the reasons millennials turning down big job promotions?
  2. Discuss how your organization values the division of labor and employee ranking.
  3. Share your sentiments on this, “In Japan, more responsibility doesn’t mean more money.“.
  4. Share your opinion on this, “Managers are held accountable for their subordinates’ every mistake, and are expected to display selfless leadership, often to the detriment of their personal lives.“.
  5. How important is company loyalty in your country? Elaborate.
  6. What are your aspirations career-wise?

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?

Jobs AI Won’t Take Yet

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a time of swift technological progress and the widespread impact of artificial intelligence, the nature of the labor market is changing dramatically. There is no denying that automation and artificial intelligence have revolutionized many industries, but there is a fascinating subset of occupations that are resisting the increasing digital takeover.

Read the article to learn about the jobs that AI will never be able to replace, demonstrating the timeless essence of mankind’s capabilities in an age of unprecedented advancement in technology.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230507-the-jobs-ai-wont-take-yet

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “on the horizon” mean in the sentence, “For the most part, the humans have prevailed. Now, say some experts, with AI ubiquity on the horizon, the threat’s being realised: the robots really are coming for some jobs.”? Give 2 synonyms and use ‘on the horizon’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “caveat” mean in the sentence, “The experts issue their warnings with a caveat: there are still things AI isn’t capable of – tasks that involve distinctly human qualities, like emotional intelligence and outside-the-box thinking.”? Use this in your own sentence.
  3. What does “fall under the umbrella” mean in the sentences, “Many trade jobs – think electricians, plumbers, welders and the like – fall under this umbrella.”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can you give examples of jobs that require complex decision-making in unpredictable and dynamic environments, as well as why AI struggles to match human versatility? Please elaborate.
  2. In what ways do professions requiring high levels of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills remain beyond the reach of current AI capabilities?
  3. What significance does compassion serve in positions which involve providing care to others, and how does the human connection make caregiving professions less vulnerable to automation?
  4. Can you discuss the importance of intuition and gut feeling in decision-making within certain professions, and why these qualities are challenging for AI to replicate?
  5. In what ways is your sector experiencing the influence of artificial intelligence? Please share.

Challenges of Hybrid Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Navigating the challenges of remote work in business requires a thoughtful approach to ensure productivity and employee well-being. Addressing issues such as communication barriers, maintaining team cohesion, and implementing effective project management tools are crucial. Additionally, businesses must prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information in a decentralized work environment. Balancing flexibility with accountability, providing proper technology support, and fostering a strong organizational culture can contribute to a successful transition to remote work.

Read the article on the challenges of hybrid work, discover strategies to overcome them, and prepare to respond to the questions that follow.

https://trainingindustry.com/articles/remote-learning/5-challenges-of-a-hybrid-workplace-and-how-to-overcome-them/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrase “growing pains” mean? “A hybrid model comes with its share of challenges or growing pains, even as the world settles into this new normal.”. Use the phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the expression “the thread that binds something” mean. “Communication is the thread that binds the two sides in a hybrid model.” Give 2 similar expressions and use it in a sentence.
  3. Explain the phrase “across the board“. “For instance, Salesforce has created a digital HQ, which provides its employees with a single source of information and knowledge sharing that helps them securely co-create, access data, collaborate and unite teams across the board.”. Give 2 similar expressions and write a sample sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can organizations strike a balance between the benefits of remote work and the need for in-person collaboration to ensure productivity and employee satisfaction?
  2. In a hybrid work model, how can companies effectively address communication challenges to ensure seamless collaboration among teams, whether working remotely or in-office?
  3. Do you personally prefer the flexibility of remote work, or do you value the in-person collaboration offered by the traditional office setting? Explain.
  4. As organizations navigate a mix of in-person and remote work, how can they effectively socialize and integrate new employees into the company’s culture, especially when physical presence is limited?
  5. What communication tools or apps do you find most effective in bridging the gap between remote and in-office teams, and how have they impacted your work experience?