UNIT 3. WORK ENVIRONMENT

 

STARTING POINT

Task 1▐ Discuss the questions.

·     What is your ideal work environment?

·     What kind of physical workspace do you prefer (e.g., open-plan office, private office, remote work)?

·     What elements are important to you in a work environment (e.g., lighting, noise levels, decor)?

·     Do you know what a toxic work environment means?

 

READING

Task 2▐ Read an excerpt from the article about the workplace environment.

 

What is a work environment?

By Elizabeth Perry, ACC (Betterup.com)

 

A work environment is a space – physical and emotional – in which employees perform their daily tasks. It’s a combination of three vital components:

Physical environment: This covers the layout and amenities of an in-person office, including items like desk space, lighting, and location. For remote workers, physical environment refers to software, tools, and equipment.

Working conditions: These are the terms under which an employee agrees to do their job, like compensation and benefits, reporting structure, and safety regulations. 

Company culture: Culture describes how an organization functions on a social level. Some aspects are more formal, like a company’s mission statement or an open communication policy. Others, such as office politics, are unsanctioned but still influential. 

Combined, these components create a workplace environment, which affects every employee’s workflow and mood. Research shows that 35% of job seekers would decline the perfect role if they didn’t connect with company culture, proving just how important a positive environment is. But a healthy workplace goes beyond a company’s ability to attract talent.

 

Task 3▐ Indicate whether the following statements are true or false according to the given text passage.

1. A work environment is a space where employees interact with each other.

2. The physical environment includes the layout and amenities of an office, such as desk space and lighting.

3. Remote workers do not need any physical environment.

4. Working conditions will include only compensation and benefits in the future.

5. Culture explains the social functioning of an organization.

6. Job seekers are not influenced by company culture when choosing a job.

7. A healthy workplace is more than just attracting talent.

8. The workplace environment only affects workflow.

9. All aspects of company culture are informal.

10. A healthy workplace is more than just attracting talent.

 

VOCABULARY

Task 4▐ Match each workplace environment term with its correct definition.

Terms: 1.            Open-plan office 2.            Private office 3.            Remote work 4.            Workplace culture 5.            Work-life balance 6.            Management style 7.            Workplace relationships 8.            Workplace amenities 9.            Mental well-being 10.        Job satisfaction

Definitions: a. The overall atmosphere and shared values in a workplace. b. Working from a location outside of the traditional office, often from home. c. The state of being happy and fulfilled with one's job. d. A workspace design where employees work in a large open area, often with few or no physical barriers. e. The physical and mental health of employees as influenced by their work environment. f. The equilibrium between personal life and work responsibilities. g. A workspace design where an individual has a separate, enclosed office. h. Facilities provided by the employer, such as break rooms, fitness centers, and cafeterias. i. The manner in which a manager leads and interacts with their employees. j. The interactions and connections between colleagues in the workplace.

 

Task 5▐ Sort out the following characteristics into two categories: favorable work environment and unfavorable work environment.

 

ü  Positive and supportive company culture

ü  Clear communication and expectations

ü  Lack of growth opportunities and professional development

ü  Excessive workload and inflexible schedules

ü  Negative or toxic company culture

ü  Opportunities for growth and development

ü  Work-life balance and flexible schedules

ü  Lack of recognition and appreciation

ü  Safe and healthy work conditions

ü  Unsafe work practices and unhealthy environment

ü  Poor communication and unclear expectations

ü  Competitive and exclusive team dynamics

ü  Recognition and appreciation for work done

ü  Poor leadership and mismanagement

ü  Collaborative and inclusive team dynamics

ü  Effective leadership and management

 

GRAMMAR USE ▐ Possibility

In business English, expressing possibility is essential for discussing potential outcomes, plans, and uncertainties. The modal verbs commonly used to express different degrees of possibility include may, might, could, and can.

May:

·            Indicates a moderate degree of possibility (e.g. We may need to revise the budget).

Might:

·            Indicates a lower degree of possibility compared to “may” (e.g. The client might agree to the new terms).

Could:

·            Indicates potential possibility or ability (e.g. We could achieve our targets with the new strategy).

Can:

·            Indicates general possibility or ability (e.g. The software can handle large data sets).

 

Task 6▐ Fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb (may, might, could, or can) to express possibility.

1.        We ______ need additional resources for the upcoming project.

2.        The market research suggests that sales ______ increase next quarter.

3.        If we implement this new policy, it ______ improve employee satisfaction.

4.        There ______ be delays in the shipment due to weather conditions.

5.        We ______ not meet the deadline if the approval process takes too long.

6.        The new marketing strategy ______ attract more customers.

7.        The project team ______ finish the task ahead of schedule.

8.        The CEO ______ announce the merger during the next board meeting.

9.        If we reduce costs, we ______ achieve higher profitability.

10.   They ______ not approve the proposal without further revisions.

VIDEO   Task 7▐ Watch the video about toxic workplace environment [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_vlAA2I0L8fuDc-TibTsWrZqzeG-dpDg/view?usp=drive_link] and answer the questions:

1. How can burnt out employees be identified in a toxic workplace?

2. What are the consequences of lack of trust between employees and managers in a toxic workplace?

3. How does office gossip, cliques, and bullying impact employees in a toxic work environment?

4. Why is it important for roles and responsibilities to be clearly defined in the workplace?

5. What happens when profit is valued over employee well-being in a toxic workplace?

6. How can leaders address issues related to micromanagement in a toxic workplace?

7. What steps can be taken to create a culture of respect, kindness, and equity in the workplace?

 

COMMUNICATION PRACTICE

Task 8▐ Work in small groups and discuss the statements below. Then present your views to the rest of the class and give the examples from your own experience as appropriate.

1. Open-Plan Offices Enhance Collaboration:

·     Open-plan offices improve communication and collaboration among employees.

·     Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of open-plan offices. Share any personal experiences working in such environments.

2. Flexible Work Hours Improve Productivity:

·     Flexible work hours lead to higher productivity and better work-life balance.

·     Consider how flexible hours might impact productivity and employee well-being. Share your experiences with flexible or rigid work schedules.

3.Workplace Amenities Enhance Job Satisfaction:

·     Amenities such as fitness centers, cafeterias, and relaxation areas significantly enhance job satisfaction.

·     Debate the importance of workplace amenities. Share how certain amenities have improved your job satisfaction or how the lack of them has been a drawback.

 

WRITING

Task 9▐ Create a memo about the key factor(s) in a positive workplace environment.

1. Select a Key Factor that you believe contributes significantly to creating a positive workplace environment (effective communication, recognition and rewards, work-life balance, or a supportive company culture).

2. Conduct research and analyze data.

3. Draft the Memo:

ü Start with a clear and concise subject line that reflects the purpose of the memo.

ü Begin the memo with a brief introduction, providing context for the topic and its relevance to the workplace.

ü Present the key factor and its significance in creating a positive work environment. Use evidence, statistics, or case studies to support your points.

ü Discuss how implementing or improving this factor can benefit both employees and the organization as a whole.

ü Provide practical recommendations or strategies for promoting and enhancing the chosen factor within the workplace.

ü Conclude the memo with a call to action, encouraging employees or management to take specific steps to support the positive workplace environment.

 

Example:

Dear Team,

I hope this memo finds you well. Today, I want to discuss the importance of promoting work-life balance in our organization and its role in fostering a positive workplace environment.

[Background:…..]

As we continue to navigate the demands of our work and personal lives, it's essential to recognize the significance of achieving a healthy balance between the two. Work-life balance refers to the equilibrium we strive for between our professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

[Benefits of Work-Life Balance:…..]

Research has consistently shown that employees who maintain a healthy work-life balance are more productive, engaged, and satisfied in their roles. By prioritizing time for rest, relaxation, and personal interests, individuals can recharge their batteries and bring their best selves to work each day.

[Challenges:…..]

However, achieving work-life balance is not always easy. The demands of our fast-paced work environment, coupled with personal obligations, can create challenges in finding this equilibrium. Long working hours, tight deadlines, and constant connectivity via technology can blur the lines between work and personal life.

[Strategies for Promoting Work-Life Balance:…..]

[Conclusion:…..]

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I welcome any feedback or suggestions for further promoting work-life balance within our organization.

Best regards,

Greg Jason,

Team Leader