Workplace Trends (6)
TALK THE TALK
Satoshi Sugita: Our current vignette discusses the latest trends in American workplaces. One such trend is said to be expanding maternity benefits.
Heather Howard: That's wonderful. I hope paternity leave will expand too. Because getting to spend time with our children when they're very small is such a wonderful and valuable experience.
As I've mentioned before, I went back to work very soon after my daughter was born. And my husband was her main daily care-giver for about two and a half years until she started going to daycare. It was so moving and inspiring for him to see her develop day by day. She even ended up in a couple of paintings.
Taking care of her was very hard work, but very rewarding too. And my husband has been always grateful that he got to experience something that most men don't. Of course, he has the advantage of being a self-employed artist, so we didn't have to get anyone's authorization for him to be home with her. I hope many other men can also have the freedom to make that choice in the future.
It will not only help them bond with their children, I think it could help them get along even better with their wives, and other women as well. They'll have a better understanding of what's involved in child-rearing and how parents need as much help from society as they can get.
Satoshi Sugita: The vignette goes on to talk about how workplace attire is becoming increasingly informal.
Heather Howard: How times have changed. You watch old TV shows and movies and see a time when men wouldn't venture out of doors without a hat, and ladies always had on a pair of gloves. And to be in the office, without a necktie or a string of pearls? Never.
As long as everyone is dedicated to doing their job, I don't see any problem with people dressing pretty much however they like within the office. I wear sweaters and jeans all the time, mostly because I walk my daughter to school in the morning and I need something comfortable that I can toss on without thinking about it much. It also saves money which I'd rather spend on her than myself these days.
venture out of doors 〔悪天候などの状況で〕思い切って外出する(｢英辞郎 on the WEB｣)
Satoshi Sugita: Grace says biophilic designs is likely to take off in the near future. This is how a given living or working environment incorporates natural elements.
Heather Howard: Great. We can be so cut off from nature in our urban settings. And even just a little touch of it in the office is wonderfully relaxing.
Some of the people in my office have taken steps in that regard. A number of people have small humidifiers at their desks, which has helped them breathe easier and their skin to feel less dry.
Some of us have also brought in little plants to decorate our group desks. They almost feel like little mascots for us.
cut off from 《be ～》～から疎外される(｢英辞郎 on the WEB｣)
Satoshi Sugita: The conversation concludes with a mention of recent employee benefits like sleeping pods in the office. What kind of things would you recommend, Heather?
Heather Howard: I personally swear by a good neck and hand rub for rejuvenating oneself. Sometimes I've even felt like I can see a little better after getting a massage during my lunch break. So I would urge companies to have an in-house massage service. We have that at my company and it's very popular.
Or to provide discount coupons at a place nearby. Free snacks and vending machines would be great too. I've seen companies with those. But please let them be healthy snacks. Every day I have to pass the cookies and crackers table in my office and sometimes the temptation is hard to resist.
rejuvenate oneself 若返る(｢英辞郎 on the WEB｣より)
swear by 推奨する(｢英辞郎 on the WEB｣より)
LISTENING CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE 1: Listen to the telephone message and fill in the numbered spaces on the form in the text.
Okay? Here we go.
Hi, Phil. Jackson here in sales. I need a big favor. The entire sales department will be holding an emergency meeting on Thursday the 17th at 10 a.m. in meeting room 2. I realize that's the day after tomorrow and I apologize for the short notice. I know that the usual sales meeting setup involves two tables with about 25 seats each. But this time we'll only have one speaker at the front of the room. So we'll only need the chairs. 50 will do. All face in front of the room in 5 rows of 10. I know the room is booked tomorrow morning. But if you could set this up sometime late tomorrow afternoon to be ready by Thursday morning, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks, Phil.
I need a big favor. 無理を言ってもいいかな?
apologize for the short notice 事前に告げていなかったことをわびる(｢英辞郎 on the WEB｣)
The answers are:
1. Thursday the 17th, 10 a.m.
2. 2
3. 0
4. 50
CHALLENGE 2: What will the woman receive?
A. cash.
B. a coupon.
C. a promissory note
Okay? Here we go.
Man: Hi, how can I help you today?
Woman: I need to return this shirt. It says "extra-large" but it's just too small for me.
Man: Sure. Do you have your receipt?
Woman: Yes, here it is. I've paid cash.
Man: Ah, unfortunately, we can't offer you cash back.
Woman: Really? Why not?
Man: Our policy states that we can't offer cash refunds for items bought more than 30 days ago.
Woman: Oh. But this shirt doesn't come in any larger size!
Man: I'm really sorry about that. However we can offer you store credit. I can give you a voucher for the price of the shirtthat you can use on any other item in the store.
Woman: Okay. That'll be fine.
come in ～の形で売られる［提供される］、～の形式がある、～として供給される(｢英辞郎 on the WEB｣より)
The answer is B. a coupon.
AS THEY SAY
「壁に耳あり障子に目あり」
意味: 密談などの漏れやすいことのたとえ
Walls have ears. 壁に耳あり
世界各地に同じような発想の諺がある。Walls have ears.はもともと第二次世界大戦中に欧米で使われたスローガン。スパイに気を付け、機密情報を公の場所で口にしないよう注意を喚起した広告キャンペーンでもある。
Loose lips sink ships. 口が軽いと船が沈む
うかつに口にすると味方の船が沈められる、ということで秘密漏えいを戒めたもの。lips、shipsと韻を踏んで覚えやすくしている。
neck rub