Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- remotely /ri-MOHT-lee/
- circulate /SUR-kyuh-leyt/
- interaction /in-ter-AK-shuhn/
- productivity /proh-duhk-TIV-i-tee/
- drive /drahyv/
[adverb] – from a distance
He will remotely control your computer for a while so please be patient.
[verb] – to send something such as information, ideas, or documents from one person to another
Fake news are circulating all over the internet. Don’t trust everything you see and read.
[noun] – an occasion when two or more people or things communicate with or react to each other
Ice break questions are an effective way to encourage interactions.
[noun] – the rate at which a person, company, or country does useful work
Working environment can affect a person’s productivity
[noun] – energy and determination to achieve things
He lost the game, but he hasn’t lost the drive to win. In fact, he’s more motivated than ever.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation./div>
Most employees around the world have been working remotely for nearly a year already since the pandemic struck. Some want to go back to the office, while others prefer to stay home. Nonetheless, one question remains the same for both: what will work look like after the pandemic? Will it revert to the way it was? Some employees yearn for a “hybrid” work environment, a combination of both office and home work. Proposals for work flexibility have been circulating among various companies.
Academics Lauren C. Howe, Ashley Whillans, and Jochen I. Menges have come up with the 3-2-2 work structure (3 days in the office, 2 days at home, and 2 rest days). This structure boasts flexibility of working at home and in the office, and granting employees the freedom to choose where and when to work. Whillans said, “Employees have appreciated the flexibility experienced during the pandemic, and desire more of it in the future.” Companies will also consider COVID safety risks, some in-person interactions, employee preferences, and work-life balance.
Some companies, however, have been implementing the four-day workweek structure. In fact, this isn’t new and has been ongoing since the 1970s. Some workers claim that they’re more efficient working remotely in this schedule and don’t need five days a week to get things done. A survey from the U.S. jobs site FlexJobs shows that 51% of employees are more productive, even working parents. Moreover, working more hours may result in decreased productivity and mental health issues.
Unilever New Zealand (NZ) implemented the four-day workweek system last December. Workers get to choose their day-offs and work 80% of the time, but deliver 100% of their output and receive 100% of their salary, says Unilever NZ general manager Nick Bangs. He added that the structure promotes flexibility as well as better health for employees to have more drive to work despite the shorter time given.
Despite the proposals and their benefits, some don’t agree with the idea of changing the work structure. Changes may worsen competitions, leave clients waiting for responses, and damage the corporate world further. Regardless of the structures, however, the pandemic will continue to affect our mindset and values. And our work during the pandemic will never be the same as before.
Academics Lauren C. Howe, Ashley Whillans, and Jochen I. Menges have come up with the 3-2-2 work structure (3 days in the office, 2 days at home, and 2 rest days). This structure boasts flexibility of working at home and in the office, and granting employees the freedom to choose where and when to work. Whillans said, “Employees have appreciated the flexibility experienced during the pandemic, and desire more of it in the future.” Companies will also consider COVID safety risks, some in-person interactions, employee preferences, and work-life balance.
Some companies, however, have been implementing the four-day workweek structure. In fact, this isn’t new and has been ongoing since the 1970s. Some workers claim that they’re more efficient working remotely in this schedule and don’t need five days a week to get things done. A survey from the U.S. jobs site FlexJobs shows that 51% of employees are more productive, even working parents. Moreover, working more hours may result in decreased productivity and mental health issues.
Unilever New Zealand (NZ) implemented the four-day workweek system last December. Workers get to choose their day-offs and work 80% of the time, but deliver 100% of their output and receive 100% of their salary, says Unilever NZ general manager Nick Bangs. He added that the structure promotes flexibility as well as better health for employees to have more drive to work despite the shorter time given.
Despite the proposals and their benefits, some don’t agree with the idea of changing the work structure. Changes may worsen competitions, leave clients waiting for responses, and damage the corporate world further. Regardless of the structures, however, the pandemic will continue to affect our mindset and values. And our work during the pandemic will never be the same as before.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- According to the article, what is a “hybrid” work environment?
- Since when has the four-day workweek structure been ongoing?
- What is the 3-2-2 work structure?
- In the 3-2-2 work structure, what do companies consider?
- Why do some people do not agree with the work structure change proposals?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is your opinion about the 3-2-2 work structure?
- Do you think employees can finish all of their tasks in four days without extending the work hours in a day?
- Personally, do you consider yourself more productive working or studying at home?
- Do you consider yourself a “workaholic”? Please explain your answer.
- For you, what is the most efficient work structure?