Workplace rules: talking about obligations and permissions

A2
90 min
Premium
1

Think about these questions before listening. Share your ideas with a partner.

  1. What is one important rule at your job or school? Why is it important?
  2. What is a rule at work or school that you think is strange or funny?
  3. If you were the manager, what is one new rule you would make?
2

Asking for Time Off

Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.

3

Listen to the audio recording and answer the questions.

01Why is Marco nervous?
Sample answerHe is nervous because he needs to ask his manager for a day off.
02According to Emma, what must you do before you take a day off?
Sample answerYou must ask for permission in advance.
03What is a polite thing to say if your manager says 'no'?
Sample answerYou can say, 'Okay, I understand. Thanks anyway.'
04What does Marco have to remember to do when he starts and finishes work?
Sample answerHe has to remember to clock in and clock out.
4

Key vocabulary

Vocabulary
These expressions will help you talk about rules and routines at work.
Examples
Be on time — to arrive at the correct time, not late
This is a very important rule in many jobs. For example: 'You must be on time for work every day.'
Clock in / clock out — to record the time you start and stop working, often with a special card or machine
This is a common phrasal verb for jobs with fixed hours. For example: 'I have to clock in before 9 a.m.'
Take a day off — to not go to work for one day, for example, for a holiday or because you are sick
You often need to ask your manager for permission. For example: 'Can I take a day off next Friday?'
Follow the rules — to do what the company or your manager tells you to do
This is a general phrase for talking about obligations. For example: 'All employees have to follow the safety rules.'
Company policy — a company's official rules about how to do things
We use this to talk about official rules. For example: 'What is the company policy on using personal phones?'
5

Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.

Word bank
01It's very important to be for the morning meeting at 9 AM.
02Don't forget to when you arrive at the office so we know you're here.
03I need to ask my manager if I can take a next Friday.
04All new employees must read the document with the company .
05Our company has a strict about using social media at work.
6

Grammar: Modal verbs for rules and permission

Grammar
We use modal verbs to talk about rules, obligations, and permission at work. We use 'must' and 'have to' for things that are necessary. We use 'can' for things that are allowed.
Examples
You have to wear your ID card at all times.
This is a rule. 'Have to' and 'must' show an obligation.
You can take a 30-minute break for lunch.
This is allowed. 'Can' shows permission.
You don't have to wear a suit on Fridays.
This is not an obligation. It is not necessary.
Key points
  • Use 'must' and 'have to' for things that are necessary.
  • Use 'can' for things you are allowed to do.
  • Be careful: 'don't have to' means something is not necessary, it's a choice.
7

Find the mistake

Read the sentences about workplace rules. Can you find the error in each one?

Each sentence has one mistake. Find it and correct it.

01You must to wear your ID card at all times.
Corrected version
You must to wear your ID card at all times.
02My manager have to check my report every week.
Corrected version
My manager have has to check my report every week.
03We don't must be late for the Monday meeting.
Corrected version
We don't must not be late for the Monday meeting.
04Do I need a permission to take a short break?
Corrected version
Do I need a permission to take a short break?
05You can to leave early on Fridays if you finish your work.
Corrected version
You can to leave early on Fridays if you finish your work.
06It is important to follow the company polisy.
Corrected version
It is important to follow the company polisy. policy.
07She has an obligation for help new employees.
Corrected version
She has an obligation for to help new employees.
8

Workplace vocabulary

Learn some new words about rules and routines at work.

Match each word on the left with the correct definition on the right.

Drag or click to match
Definitions
9

Alex's new office

Read about Alex's first week at his new job.

Read the passage below, then answer the comprehension questions.

Alex started his new job at a tech company last week. The company policy is quite modern. He doesn't have to wear a suit, but he must be on time for the daily 9:30 AM team meeting. Everyone has to clock in using a special app on their phone when they arrive. For lunch, he can take a full hour. If he wants to take a day off, he must ask his manager two weeks before. He really likes that he can work from home one day a week. It's important to follow the rules, but the office feels friendly and relaxed.

01What time does the daily team meeting start?
Sample answerThe meeting starts at 9:30 AM.
02What does Alex have to do if he wants a day off from work?
Sample answerHe has to ask his manager two weeks before.
03Does Alex like his new job? How do you know?
Sample answerYes, he does. The text says he likes working from home and that the office feels friendly.
10

Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.

  1. In your country, do most companies have a strict company policy about being on time? For example, do people have to clock in and clock out?
  2. Do you think managers must follow the same rules as everyone else? Why or why not?
  3. Which company policy is more important: a policy about being on time or a policy about being friendly to coworkers? Why?