Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- norm /nawrm/
- downside /DOUN-sahyd/
- duration /doo-REY-shuhn/
- technically /TEK-nik-lee /
- shrug off /shruhg awf/
[noun ] – an accepted standard or a way of behaving or doing things that most people agree with
In a decade, it may be the norm.
[noun] – a disadvantage of a situation
The downside to living here, of course, is that it is expensive.
[noun] – the length of time that something lasts
The course is three years in duration.
[adverb] – according to an exact understanding of rules, facts, etc.
Even if it were technically possible, we do not have the money to do it.
[phrasal verb] – to treat something as if it is not important or not a problem
She can shrug off her troubles and keep smiling.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
To advance, many employees work after hours on covert projects. Even if this kind of overwork has become the norm, there is a sneaky downside.
Beth, an international marketing manager from Toronto, is on vacation in Europe, but she still feels tied to her job. That’s because she still puts in hours outside of her regular workday by doing things like checking in with her colleagues via WhatsApp and listening to “a ton” of podcasts in her line of work. “I’m about to get on a train and go to my Italian office to say hi, on my holiday,” she says. “Do I have a problem?” Although millions of knowledge workers’ workdays have been growing longer—and in many cases, longer workweeks have become the norm—a lot of work still gets done outside of the typical workday, regardless of its duration. Consider the tasks that aren’t technically working but use the time away from the office, such as reading work-related stories that appear on social media during the weekend or listening to business podcasts while exercising.
These after-hours responsibilities are nothing new for employees. However, since the epidemic changed how people work, the distinction between personal and professional life has grown blurry, which makes it even simpler for these behaviors to happen. Although they don’t feel like work in the traditional sense, these quiet, even hidden overwork moments nonetheless work. It’s also getting harder for employees to shrug off as this extra effort turns into a tacit expectation, making it nearly impossible to ever switch off.
Beth, an international marketing manager from Toronto, is on vacation in Europe, but she still feels tied to her job. That’s because she still puts in hours outside of her regular workday by doing things like checking in with her colleagues via WhatsApp and listening to “a ton” of podcasts in her line of work. “I’m about to get on a train and go to my Italian office to say hi, on my holiday,” she says. “Do I have a problem?” Although millions of knowledge workers’ workdays have been growing longer—and in many cases, longer workweeks have become the norm—a lot of work still gets done outside of the typical workday, regardless of its duration. Consider the tasks that aren’t technically working but use the time away from the office, such as reading work-related stories that appear on social media during the weekend or listening to business podcasts while exercising.
These after-hours responsibilities are nothing new for employees. However, since the epidemic changed how people work, the distinction between personal and professional life has grown blurry, which makes it even simpler for these behaviors to happen. Although they don’t feel like work in the traditional sense, these quiet, even hidden overwork moments nonetheless work. It’s also getting harder for employees to shrug off as this extra effort turns into a tacit expectation, making it nearly impossible to ever switch off.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you usually do on the weekends? Could you tell me about it?
- Do you still work after your shift? Why or why not?
- If you were a boss, would you disturb your employee on his/her leave? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that these after-hours responsibilities are nothing new for employees?
- What do you think of these after-hours responsibilities? Please elaborate on your answer.
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- covert
- overwork
- manager
- vacation
- responsibility