Workplace generations: giving advice and making suggestions
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Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.
- Think about people you work with who are much older or younger than you. What differences do you notice in how they communicate or work?
- What do you think is most important in a job: a high salary, good work-life balance, or opportunities to learn new skills? Do you think your parents would give the same answer?
- In your experience, what are some advantages of having people of different ages working together on a team? Can you think of any challenges?
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Generations at Work
Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.
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Answer these questions in your own words based on the lesson's topic.
01What kind of language does the article focus on for giving advice or making suggestions?
Sample answerIt focuses on using modal verbs. For example, it mentions using words like 'should', 'could', and the phrase 'might want to'.
02What are some of the key workplace topics mentioned in the article?
Sample answerThe article mentions modern work ideas like flexible hours and remote work, but also more traditional things like job security and career progression.
03Why might the skill of politely disagreeing be particularly useful when discussing generational differences at work?
Sample answerIt's probably because people from different age groups can have very different opinions about work, so they need a polite way to share their ideas without causing problems.
04Based on the skills and vocabulary in the article, what kind of challenges might exist between different generations in the workplace?
Sample answerIt seems like the main challenges are about communication. People might disagree on topics like remote work or career paths, and they need the right phrases to give advice and suggest alternatives respectfully.
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Key vocabulary for discussing workplace generations
Vocabulary
These expressions will help you communicate more naturally about this topic.
Examples
Work-life balance — the amount of time you spend doing your job compared with the time you spend with your family and doing things you enjoy.
Usage note: We often use verbs like 'have', 'achieve', or 'maintain' with this phrase. For example: 'Many younger employees value a good work-life balance.'
To climb the career ladder — to get a series of more and more important jobs in a company or profession.
Usage note: This is an idiom that suggests career progression is a step-by-step process. For example: 'He is very ambitious and wants to climb the career ladder quickly.'
To be set in one's ways — to have fixed habits and ideas that you are unwilling to change.
Usage note: This phrase can be slightly negative and is often used to describe people who don't like new ideas. For example: 'My older manager is a bit set in his ways about remote work.'
To bring something to the table — to provide a useful skill, idea, or quality that contributes to a team or project.
Usage note: This is a common business phrase that focuses on positive contributions. For example: 'Every generation brings different skills and perspectives to the table.'
To keep up with (something) — to stay informed about the latest developments or to move at the same speed as something or someone.
Usage note: This is a phrasal verb often used when talking about technology or trends. For example: 'It can be hard to keep up with all the new software updates.'
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Key workplace concepts
Different generations often have different ideas about work. Do you know these important terms?
Match each term on the left with its correct definition on the right.
Drag or click to match
Definitions
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Grammar: Modal verbs for advice
Grammar
We use modal verbs like 'should', 'could', and 'might want to' to give advice or make suggestions. They have different levels of strength, from a strong recommendation to a gentle idea. This is very useful when discussing different work styles between generations.
Examples
I think you should speak to your manager about flexible working hours.
Use 'should' when you think something is a very good idea or the right thing to do. It's strong advice.
To improve communication, we could have weekly meetings with the whole team.
Use 'could' to offer a possibility or a suggestion among other options. It's less direct than 'should'.
He might want to learn more about the company's pension plan.
Use 'might want to' for very polite and gentle advice. It's a very indirect suggestion.
Key points
- 'Should' gives strong advice.
- 'Could' and 'might want to' offer softer, more polite suggestions.
- Always use the base verb (infinitive without 'to') after these modals (e.g., 'should go', not 'should to go').
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Correct the sentences
Each sentence contains one error. Find and correct it.
01You should to listen to the younger employees' ideas about technology.
Corrected version
You should to listen to the younger employees' ideas about technology.
02The needs of younger workers is often different from older colleagues.
Corrected version
The needs of younger workers is are often different from older colleagues.
03For many young people, career progress is more important than job security.
Corrected version
For many young people, career progress progression is more important than job security.
04It can be difficult for older employees to keep up to the latest technology.
Corrected version
It can be difficult for older employees to keep up to with the latest technology.
05Some older managers are very set on their ways and don't like change.
Corrected version
Some older managers are very set on in their ways and don't like change.
06Last year, my company introduce a flexible hours policy, and everyone loves it.
Corrected version
Last year, my company introduce introduced a flexible hours policy, and everyone loves it.
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Useful phrases: politely disagreeing in a meeting
Vocabulary
In a team with people from different generations, it's normal to have different opinions. These phrases will help you disagree respectfully and suggest alternatives without causing problems. Using them will make you sound more professional and collaborative.
Examples
I see your point, but have you thought about...? — shows you understand their idea before offering your own.
Register: Neutral. Use this to soften your disagreement and show you were listening. It's a polite way to introduce a different idea.
That's an interesting idea. Another option could be to... — acknowledges the other person's contribution before suggesting an alternative.
Register: Neutral/Slightly formal. Perfect for when you want to propose a completely different approach without directly criticizing the first one.
I'm not entirely sure about that. My main concern is... — expresses doubt and clearly states the reason for it.
Register: Neutral. Use this when you have a specific problem with a suggestion. Stating your 'concern' sounds more collaborative than stating a 'problem'.
I understand where you're coming from, however, I think we should also consider... — acknowledges the other person's perspective before adding a new point.
Register: Neutral/Slightly formal. This is a very respectful way to disagree. It shows empathy for the other person's viewpoint.
From my perspective, it might be better if we... — presents your opinion as just one viewpoint, not a fact.
Register: Neutral. This phrase makes your suggestion sound less aggressive. It's a good way to share your opinion without sounding like you know everything.
I agree with the goal, but I have a different idea about how to get there. — agrees with the overall objective but disagrees with the method.
Register: Neutral. Use this when you support the final outcome but want to suggest a different process. It shows you are a team player.
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Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.
Word bank
01For many younger workers, achieving a good work-life is more important than earning the highest salary.
02In the past, employees often stayed at one company for their whole lives, hoping to climb the career .
03Some older managers can be in their ways and may resist new technologies or flexible working arrangements.
04It's challenging for some employees to with the rapid pace of technological change in the modern workplace.
05The new intern is very creative and will a fresh perspective to the team's project.
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Managing the modern team
Read the article below and answer the questions.
Sarah manages a marketing team with a wide age range, and it's not always easy. Her older, experienced employees often focus on traditional methods. They believe the best way to succeed is to work long hours and climb the career ladder. Some of them are a bit set in their ways and find it difficult to keep up with the latest digital tools.
Her younger team members, however, have different priorities. They value a healthy work-life balance and are experts with new technology. They bring fresh ideas to the table but sometimes seem less interested in long-term projects. Sarah knows that each group has strengths. She thinks her senior staff should try to be more flexible. At the same time, the younger employees could learn from their colleagues' experience. She believes they might want to create a mentorship program where different generations can learn from each other.
01What is the main difference in priorities between the older and younger employees on Sarah's team?
Sample answerThe older employees prioritize working long hours to climb the career ladder, while the younger employees value a good work-life balance.
02According to the article, what is a challenge for some of the senior staff?
Sample answerThey find it difficult to keep up with new digital tools and can be set in their ways.
03What special skill do the younger team members bring to the table?
Sample answerThey are experts with new technology and have fresh ideas.
04What is Sarah's proposed solution to improve teamwork?
Sample answerShe thinks they might want to start a mentorship program so the different generations can learn from one another.
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Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
- Some people believe older workers are 'set in their ways' and can't 'keep up with' new technology. Do you think this is a fair stereotype? What unique skills do you think different generations 'bring to the table'?
- In your country, do people generally prioritize 'climbing the career ladder' or having a good 'work-life balance'? Explain how this might be different for your generation compared to your parents' generation.
- Imagine you are a manager of a team with many different age groups. What advice would you give the company to keep everyone happy? Consider things like remote work, job security, and opportunities for career progression.