English Lesson B1 (Listening) "The Four-Day Work Week"

Vocabulary
A. Grind (noun) routine pénible : Hard, tiring daily work or routine. Example: Studying every evening can feel like a grind.

B. Obsolete (adjective) obsolète : No longer useful or used. Example: My old phone is obsolete because it cannot run new apps.

C. Instead of (preposition) au lieu de : In place of something else. Example: We drank tea instead of coffee this morning.

D. Work-life balance (noun) équilibre entre vie professionnelle et vie privée : A healthy balance between work and personal life. Example: She enjoys good work-life balance by leaving the office on time.

E. Productivity (noun) productivité : The amount of work completed in a given time. Example: Listening to music improves my productivity when I study.

F. Fit (verb) convient à : Is suitable or appropriate for someone or something. Examples: This jacket fits me perfectly. / This job fits my skills and experience.

Guide Questions
1. What does the speaker say about the 5-day grind?
2. What are companies doing?
3. What are the goals of the 4-day work week?
4. How do some workers feel about the 4-day work week?
5. Is a four-day workweek possible for all companies? Explain."
6. What should companies do?
7. What does the speaker say at the end of the talk?

 

TRANSCRIPT

Is the traditional five-day grind finally obsolete in 2026? More companies around the world are testing a four-day work week instead of the usual five-day schedule. In many cases, employees work four days but keep the same salary. The goal is to improve work-life balance while keeping productivity high. Many workers say they feel less stressed, more focused, and happier at work. Some companies have also reported that employees finish the same amount of work in less time. However, a four-day work week is not possible for every job. Hospitals, factories, restaurants, and customer service teams often need employees every day. Companies must plan carefully to make sure customers still receive good service. The four-day work week is becoming more popular, but it is not the best solution for every business. Each company must decide if this new way of working fits its employees, customers, and business goals. (148 words)