Topic 1.10.2 Workplace Policies
WORKPLACE POLICIES
1. Warm up
What are the rules in your company about the following:
- Work hours
- Holidays
- Sick leave
- Clothes
Are there any rules you don’t like?
3.Discussion
In pairs, ask and answer some or all of the questions below.
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4A.Reading
Read the following text. How is the person’s job similar to your job?
At my job, there are several important rules that I must follow. The company has a dress code, which tells me what I can wear to work. Some workplaces require formal clothing, while others allow casual clothes.
If I feel sick, I can take sick leave and stay at home to rest. If I need to go on holiday, I can use my annual leave. Every employee has a certain number of days off each year.
My company has fixed working hours, so I usually start and finish work at the same time every day. However, some companies offer flexible working hours, which allow employees to choose their schedule. Some people also do remote working, which means they can work from home instead of going to the office.
The company also cares about health and safety. There are rules to keep employees safe, and I must follow them to avoid accidents.
At work, I often deal with private information. I must respect confidentiality and not share important company details with people outside the company.
My company believes in equal opportunities. This means that all employees, no matter their gender or background, have the same chances to succeed.
If I ever have a problem at work, I can follow the complaint procedure. I can talk to my manager or the HR department, and they will try to help me solve the issue.
Based on the text, True or False?
5A. Grammar focus: First conditional
The first conditional is used to talk about real or possible situations in the present or future.
Form
if + present simple, will + base verb.
Example: If you follow the dress code, you will look professional.
5B. Practice exercise 1
5C. Practice exercise 2
In pairs, create your own sentences using the first conditional about workplace policies in your company.
6.Speaking practice
Look at the following role plays and with a partner choose one to act out.
Role play 1
- Student 1: You are an employee, ask about workplace policies (e.g., dress code, sick leave, working hours).
- Student 2: You are the boss. Answers Student 1’s questions.
Role play 2
- Student 1: You are an employee. You want to work from home two days a week. Ask your boss about the company’s remote working policy
- Student 2: You are the boss. Explain the company’s remote working policy, including any conditions or requirements.
Role play 3
- Student 1: You are an employee. You have a problem at work (e.g., a noisy coworker, too much overtime, or unfair treatment). Ask about the complaint procedure and how to report an issue.
- Student 2: You are the HR manager. Explain how the complaint procedure works and what steps the employee should take.
Role play 4
- Student 1: You are an employee. You want to take two weeks off for a holiday. Ask your boss about the annual leave policy and how to request time off.
- Student 2: You are the boss. Explain the annual leave policy, including how many days employees can take and how to apply for leave.
Role play 5
- Student 1: You are a new employee. You are unsure about health and safety rules at work. Ask your manager what to do in case of an emergency.
- Student 2: You are the manager. Explain the company’s health and safety rules, including fire exits, first aid, and accident reporting.
7A. Listening 1
Listen to two employees talking about their jobs.
7B. Listening 2
Listen to the following conversations and answer the questions.
7C. Activity 2: Fill in the Blanks
7D. Activity 3: Discussion Questions
Conversation 1
- Why do you think the rules about feeding animals are important?
- What kind of clothes do you think are comfortable for work in a place like this?
Conversation 2
- Do you agree with the rule about cleaning the floor in the morning? Why or why not?
- Why do you think it’s important for the workers in the audio to pay for chocolate bars at work?
8A. Task
With a partner, make a list of rules about the different areas discussed in this lesson and decide rules that you would make to create the perfect workplace.
8B. Presentations
Now, present your ideas to the class.