Remote working
In this lesson, students will explore remote working, its benefits and challenges, and discuss strategies for effective communication and productivity in a remote setting.
Part 1
Warm-up
Answer the questions
What did we discuss in the last lesson?
Have you ever worked remotely? When was that?
Do you like working remotely?
Part 2
Vocabulary
Read the word, its’ meaning, and the examples
Then make up your own sentences using the word.
Student can skip the words they already know.
overhead costs
/ˈoʊvərˌhɛd kɔsts/
Expenses not directly tied to production (e.g., rent, utilities).
The company's overhead costs include rent and utilities.
Overhead costs must be managed carefully.
distraction
/dɪˈstræk.ʃən/
the state of being very bored or annoyed
Turn off your phone to avoid distractions.
Distractions can reduce productivity.
workforce
/ ˈwɜrk.fɔːrs /
the group of people who work in a company, industry, country, etc.
The company is expanding its workforce.
The workforce is essential for our success.
team cohesion
/tim koʊˈhiʒən/
The unity and cooperation among team members.
Good communication enhances team cohesion.
Activities can boost team cohesion.
Make up your own sentences using the words.
Part 3
Reading and discussion
What is the benefit of remote working?
Ideas:
- Reduce cost
- Job satisfaction
- Talent around the world
The student will have 60 seconds to prepare and then read the text aloud.
The teacher will help the student correct their pronunciation.
Benefits of remote working
Remote working offers numerous advantages for both employees and employers. One of the primary benefits is increased flexibility. Employees can work from anywhere, allowing them to better balance their personal and professional lives. This flexibility often leads to higher job satisfaction and reduced stress.
Another significant benefit is cost savings. Employees save on commuting expenses and time, while employers can reduce overhead costs related to office space and utilities. Additionally, remote working can lead to increased productivity. Many employees find they can focus better in a home environment without the typical office distractions.
Furthermore, remote working expands the talent pool for employers, allowing them to hire the best candidates regardless of geographic location. This can lead to a more diverse and skilled workforce. Overall, remote working can enhance job satisfaction, productivity, and cost efficiency while providing greater flexibility and access to top talent.
Based on the passage above, please answer the following questions.
How has the flexibility of remote working impacted your work-life balance?
Ideas:
- Time with family
- Reduced commute stress
- Flexible schedules
In what ways have you experienced cost savings from working remotely?
Ideas:
- No commuting costs
- Reduced daily expenses
Do you feel more productive working from home compared to an office setting? Why or why not?
- Fewer distractions
- Personalized environment
- Flexible workflow
What tools or strategies have you found effective in maintaining productivity while working remotely?
Ideas:
- Project management tools
- Time management techniques
- Communication platforms (slacks, zalo, MS Team, …)
What is the challenges of remote working?
Ideas:
- Communication issues
- Technological challenges
- Work-life balance
- Feeling lonely
- Productivity & motivation
- Company culture
Part 4
Debate
Topic: Should companies let people work from home all the time, or should everyone work full-time in the office?
In a debate on this topic, you need to talk about flexibility, cost savings, teamwork, focus, company culture, and work-life balance.
Argument preparation (3 minutes)
Student has 2-3 mins to think about their arguments.
Suggesting points:
For full remote work:
- Flexibility: People can choose their own work hours.
- Saving money: No need to pay for office space or commuting.
- Hiring: Can hire the best people from anywhere in the world.
For full-time office work:
- Teamwork: Easier to work together and solve problems face-to-face.
- Focus: Fewer home distractions, more focus on work.
- Culture: Stronger sense of company community and culture.
Debate (8 minutes)
Student has 2-4 mins to present their arguments.
Teacher helps student to expand their ideas, think critically & more views about this topic (by asking more questions about this topic).
Sample answer
In my opinion, companies should adopt a flexible approach that allows employees to choose between working from home and working in the office. Remote work offers significant benefits, such as increased flexibility, better work-life balance, and reduced commuting time, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and productivity. It also allows companies to save on office space and related expenses, and to tap into a global talent pool.
However, working in the office also has its advantages. It fosters better teamwork and collaboration through face-to-face interactions, which can be crucial for brainstorming, problem-solving, and maintaining a strong company culture. Being in the office can help employees focus better, with fewer home distractions, and can provide a clear separation between work and personal life.
A hybrid model that combines the best of both worlds could be the ideal solution. This approach would give employees the flexibility to work from home when it suits them best, while also providing opportunities for in-person collaboration and team-building activities. By offering a choice, companies can cater to the diverse needs and preferences of their workforce, leading to a more engaged and productive team overall.
Part 5
Give solutions
A company is facing difficulties in managing its employees who are working remotely. Issues include lack of communication, decreased productivity, and feelings of isolation among team members.
As a team, you need to come up with a set of solutions to improve the management of remote employees.
Give at least 3 solutions and explain why we should use that solutions for the company.
Your solutions should address the following key areas:
- Communication: How can the company ensure effective and frequent communication among remote employees and managers?
- Productivity: What strategies can be implemented to maintain or increase productivity levels?
- Team cohesion: How can the company foster a sense of community and teamwork among remote employees?
Sample answer
Many companies face problems with remote working. These problems include poor communication, low productivity, and feelings of loneliness among team members. Here are some simple solutions to help with these issues.
Communication is very important in remote work. One good idea is to have daily stand-up meetings via video calls. These short meetings help everyone stay on the same page and talk about any problems quickly. Regular video calls keep the team connected and make sure everyone knows what to do.
Productivity can be improved with project management tools like Trello or Asana. These tools help track tasks and deadlines, so everyone knows their responsibilities and timelines. By using these tools, teams can avoid common issues like procrastination and confusion. Regular check-ins on these platforms keep everyone focused and motivated.
Team cohesion is also important in remote work. To build a sense of community, companies can organize weekly virtual coffee breaks. These informal meetings allow team members to chat and get to know each other better. Such interactions can reduce feelings of loneliness and create stronger relationships within the team.
In conclusion, solving remote working problems needs simple steps. Daily video meetings, using task management tools, and having virtual social events can improve communication, increase productivity, and build team spirit. These steps help create a happier and more efficient team.
Review
Let’s review the lesson with teacher
New words in this lesson
Explore the benefits of remote working
Discuss about challenges & strategies of effective in a remote setting.
See you next lesson
Homework
Do homework
Write a paragraph of at least 12 sentences explaining which you like better. Give reasons and examples to support your choice.
Question:
Do you prefer remote working or working in the office? Why?
