Remote vs. office work: discussing policies and expressing nuanced opinions
1
Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.
- If you could design your perfect weekly work or study schedule, what would be the ideal balance between working remotely and being on-site? Explain your reasoning.
- Beyond the obvious benefits like saving commute time, what are some of the less-discussed advantages or disadvantages of remote work that you've experienced or observed?
- To what extent do you believe a company's culture is affected when many employees work from home? Consider aspects like teamwork, innovation, and employee loyalty.
2
Finding a Work-Life Balance
Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.
3
Key vocabulary for work arrangements
Vocabulary
These expressions will help you discuss workplace policies and preferences more naturally.
Examples
To strike a balance — to find a satisfactory compromise between two opposing things.
Usage note: This is a common, semi-formal phrase. It's often followed by 'between X and Y', for example, 'The company is trying to strike a balance between employee flexibility and business needs.'
To touch base (with someone) — to make brief contact with someone, usually to get an update or check on progress.
Usage note: This is a friendly but professional idiom common in business emails and meetings. It's a softer way of saying 'let's have a meeting'. For example: 'I'll touch base with you after lunch to see the report.'
A hybrid model — a work style that combines a mix of working from the office and working remotely.
Usage note: This is standard business terminology. Common collocations include 'adopt a hybrid model' or 'implement a hybrid model'. For example: 'Our company is shifting to a hybrid model next quarter.'
To be on the same page — to have a shared understanding or be in agreement about a situation or plan.
Usage note: This is a very common idiom for discussing teamwork and alignment. It's essential for ensuring everyone understands their roles, especially in remote teams. For example: 'Let's have a quick call to make sure we're all on the same page about the deadline.'
Productivity dip — a temporary decrease in the rate at which work is completed.
Usage note: This collocation is useful for discussing performance concerns. The opposite is a 'productivity boost'. For example: 'Managers feared a productivity dip, but remote work actually improved output.'
4
Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.
Word bank
01Many employees find it difficult to strike a healthy work-life when working from home.
02Our company has adopted a model, with three days in the office and two at home.
03Before we present to the client, let's make sure we're all on the same regarding the key talking points.
04Some managers worry that remote work could lead to a drop in overall team .
05Let's touch briefly tomorrow morning to align our goals for the week.
5
Grammar: Clauses of concession and contrast
Grammar
Clauses of concession and contrast connect two opposing or unexpected ideas in a single sentence. They are perfect for discussing the pros and cons of workplace policies, like remote work, allowing you to present a balanced and nuanced argument.
Examples
Although working from home offers great flexibility, it can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation.
Use 'although' or 'even though' to introduce a subordinate clause that contrasts with the main clause.
Despite the convenience of remote work, many companies are asking employees to return to the office.
Remember that 'despite' and 'in spite of' are followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not a full clause (subject + verb).
Productivity has increased for many remote workers. However, building a strong team culture remains a challenge.
'However' and 'nevertheless' are adverbs that connect two separate sentences to show contrast.
Key points
- Connectors like 'although', 'though', and 'even though' are followed by a clause (subject + verb).
- 'Despite' and 'in spite of' are followed by a noun or an '-ing' verb (gerund).
- Common mistake: Avoid using 'but' in the same sentence as 'although'. e.g., 'Although it's convenient, it can be lonely.'
6
Find the mistake
Read the sentences below. Each one has a single error related to grammar or vocabulary. Can you spot it?
Rewrite each sentence to correct the error.
01Despite the company offered a flexible hybrid model, staff turnover remained high.
Corrected version
Despite the company offered offering a flexible hybrid model, staff turnover remained high.
02Many managers are worried about a dip in productive if their teams work from home permanently.
Corrected version
Many managers are worried about a dip in productive productivity if their teams work from home permanently.
03It's important that the whole team is on the same book about the new project deadlines.
Corrected version
It's important that the whole team is on the same book page about the new project deadlines.
04Whereas some people thrive in a busy office, but others find it too distracting to concentrate.
Corrected version
Whereas some people thrive in a busy office, but others find it too distracting to concentrate.
05I need to touch base to my manager before I can approve this request.
Corrected version
I need to touch base to with my manager before I can approve this request.
06Since the new remote policy was introduced, our team communicates much more effectively.
Corrected version
Since the new remote policy was introduced, our team communicates has communicated much more effectively.
07The new policy has resulted to a significant improvement in work-life balance for most employees.
Corrected version
The new policy has resulted to in a significant improvement in work-life balance for most employees.
7
Navigating the modern workplace
Read the passage about different work models and complete the text.
Fill in each blank with the correct word from the word bank.
Word bank
Many companies are now implementing a model, hoping to get the best of both worlds. Although this approach offers flexibility, it can be challenging to a balance that satisfies everyone. To prevent a dip, it's crucial for managers to regularly base with their teams. This ensures everyone is on the same regarding expectations and deadlines, even when they aren't in the same physical space.
8
The other side of flexibility
Read the passage below, then answer the comprehension questions.
When my company announced a permanent hybrid model, I was thrilled. The thought of more autonomy was exciting. Although the first few months were great, I soon discovered the challenges. The lines between my living room and my office blurred completely, making it hard to strike a balance. My manager tried to help, suggesting we touch base more often, but virtual check-ins felt different. Whereas my office-based colleagues seemed to stay connected, I felt increasingly isolated. I noticed a slight productivity dip in my own work, not from a lack of focus, but from a lack of spontaneous collaboration. Despite the convenience of working from home, I realized I missed the energy of the office. It's crucial for managers and employees to be on the same page about expectations to make this model work for everyone, not just for those who thrive in solitude.
01What was the author's initial reaction to the new hybrid model?
Sample answerThe author was initially thrilled and excited about the idea of having more autonomy.
02According to the passage, what was the primary reason for the author's 'productivity dip'?
Sample answerIt was caused by a lack of spontaneous collaboration with colleagues, not a lack of focus.
03What specific difficulty did the author have when trying to 'strike a balance'?
Sample answerThe author found it difficult to separate their professional and personal life as the lines between home and the office blurred.
04What can you infer about the author's ideal work arrangement for the future?
Sample answerIt can be inferred that the author would likely prefer a model with more in-office time or a hybrid structure that better facilitates team connection and collaboration.
9
Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
- Imagine you are a manager trying to implement a new hybrid model. How would you ensure the entire team is on the same page about expectations, especially if you're worried about a potential productivity dip during the transition?
- Considering the work culture in your country, how difficult is it for companies to strike a balance between employee demands for flexibility and traditional office-based expectations? Do you see the hybrid model becoming the new standard there, or is it just a temporary trend?
- Some critics of remote work argue that it's much harder to casually touch base with colleagues, which can hurt creativity and team relationships. To what extent do you agree with this view, and what practical strategies can teams in a hybrid model use to overcome this challenge?