Vocabulary:
- no-brainer /NOH-BREY-ner/
- surmise /ser-MAHYZ/
- hot-desking /hot-desking/
- viable /VAHY-uh-buhl/
- thermal /THUR-muhl/
- collaborate /kuh-LAB-uh-reyt/
[noun, informal] something that is very simple to do or to understand
The decision was made in an instant since the proposal was a no-brainer.
[verb] to decide something is true without having complete information or proof
Ethan surmised that the accusation was false and turns out, he was right.
[noun] the practice of using any available desk in an office rather than having your own desk
Some employers nowadays use hot-desking as a way to save office space.
[adjective] able to work as intended or able to succeed
Can you provide us with other viable options for this software to work properly?
[adjective] connected with heat
It’s a must for people to wear long-sleeved thermal vests during the winter season.
[verb] to work with someone else for a special purpose
One of the keys to get the work done quickly and efficiently is to collaborate with one another.
One building in Amsterdam stands proud when it was voted as one of the greenest and “most intelligent” architecture worldwide. True to its position, the building begins to adapt its sensor-dependent offices to the possibility of working day in and out with a contagious and lethal virus. According to Coen van Oostrom, founder of the real-estate company that constructed the building, some “no-brainer” changes may happen at any time to ease the workers’ concerns during the pandemic.
What sets the building apart from the others is that it has an existing phone app that allows employees to see the temperature and air quality of the office. Oostrom surmises that the workers will now pay more heed to the app compared before because of how infectious the virus is. Changing seat plans and hot-desking are also viable options to reinforce social distancing while inside the office. A major drawback is that modifying work practices is not completely feasible for employers to do.
Temperature testing is also one famous way of detecting if anyone is infected by the virus. A thermal technology company tested its infrared camera at a U.S. factory and received mixed feedback from the employees. Some were excited to try the device whereas others were worried about their privacy. Ezra Merrill, vice president of the thermal technology company, acknowledges the privacy issues that the cameras may bring.
While advanced technology may hinder how people work during the pandemic, Oostrom thinks of offices as “social beehives” where employees collaborate to get the job done. “Making offices fun places to be will be more important than ever,” Oostrom says. Still, having both fun and safe workplace is a must in all businesses, especially during a virus outbreak.
Comprehension Questions:
- Based on the article, what was the mentioned building in Amsterdam voted as?
- In the article, what sets the building apart from the others?
- Aside from changing seating arrangements, what is another option for offices to do to practice social distancing?
- What reviews did the thermal camera get when it was tested in a U.S. factory?
- What does Oostrom think of offices as mentioned in the article?
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think all buildings and offices should have a phone app that can detect air quality and temperature in the area? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that advanced technology may interfere with how people work? Please explain your answer.
- In your opinion, what should workers do on their end to keep themselves safe while working in the office during a pandemic?
- How will social distancing affect people in a building? Please share your opinion.
- Can technology truly help in reducing the risk of people being infected by a virus in a building? Please share your thoughts.