Lesson A Work issues
Vocabulary Focus
Lesson B Job choices
Trends in the workplace
One trend in the workplace is that more people are telecommuting than before. Another trend is that people are working with flexible schedules. Can you think of other trends?
3. Kristin
Keys
In today’s business climate, you’ve got to be clever — come up with ideas that others haven’t thought of yet. Take my friend Anezka, an organic apple farmer. Five years ago, her business wasn’t making a profit. It was about to go under. Then organic fruit really caught on. Suddenly it seemed that everyone wanted to buy her organic apples! She then decided to try something new: She set up a mail-order business so her customers could order her apples from home and get them quickly. Sales took off and Anezka made even more money. Now she’s thinking about retiring job two years ago and then there was a downturn in the economy. Just my luck! First, my employer cut back on production. Then, when there wasn’t enough work to go around, they started laying off people. About half of my coworkers had to find new jobs! My friends tell me I should look for a new job. Others tell me I should stick with this company for a while longer. I can’t figure out what to do!
2. Linda
Keys
Let’s face it — in the workplace, women still don’t have the same opportunities as men. I’ve worked for the same company for ten years. I got passed over for a promotion last year. I found out the job went to a younger man with less experience. I handed in my notice last week and I feel good about quitting. I’m going back to school for an MBA. Will it help me get ahead in my next job? Who knows? One thing is certain: I’m not going to give up until I get what I want — equal treatment at work.
Lesson A Work issues
Lesson B Job choices
Vocabulary Focus
Trends in the workplace Look at the expressions in A. Match them with their definitions. Which ones are used in a positive way? Which ones are used in a negative or neutral way?
Vocabulary Focus
Lesson B Job choices
Trends in the workplace
□ A. fair treatment of women □√ B. downsizing (reducing staff) □ C. mail-order business
1. Jerome
Lesson A Work issues
Vocabulary Focus
Lesson B Job choices
Trends in the workplace
□ A. fair treatment of women □ B. downsizing (reducing staff) □√ C. mail-order business
Read what these people are saying about trends or issues in business today. Match each person to the item they are talking about.
Lesson A Work issues
Lesson A Work issues
Vocabulary Focus
Lesson B Job choices
Trends in the workplace
□√ A. fair treatment of women □ B. downsizing (reducing staff) □ C. mail-order business