A2 · Elementary · Work · 114 words · ~2 min read
💻 Negotiating a Remote-Work Schedule
Language focus: Present Perfect Continuous · requests
Priya has been working at the same company for two years, and she has been commuting two hours every day. This morning, she decides to bring up the idea of remote work with her manager.
“I have been thinking about my schedule,” she says. “Could I work from home three days a week?” Her manager listens carefully and considers the request.
Together they work out a flexible plan. Priya will come into the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays for meetings, and work from home on the other days.
“We have taken on more staff, so the team can manage,” her manager says. “Let’s try it for a month.” Priya is delighted with the arrangement.
Key vocabulary (8 words)
- flexibleadjective
- Able to change easily to suit a situation.
- commutenoun
- The regular journey between home and work.
- managernoun
- The person who is in charge of a team or business.
- arrangementnoun
- A plan or agreement about how something will happen.
- requestnoun
- The act of politely asking for something.
- productiveadjective
- Doing or achieving a lot.
- staffnoun
- The people who work for a company.
- remoteadjective
- Done from a distance, away from the office.
Phrasal verbs in this story
- bring up — To bring up a topic means to start talking about it.
- work out — To work out means to find a solution or make a plan.
- take on — To take on staff means to employ new people.
Comprehension quiz
-
How long has Priya worked at the company?
- Two months
- Two years
- Ten years
Show answer
Two years
-
What does she bring up with her manager?
- Remote work
- A pay rise
- A holiday
Show answer
Remote work
-
How many days does she want to work from home?
- One
- Three
- Five
Show answer
Three
-
Together they ___ a flexible plan.
- work out
- throw away
- put off
Show answer
work out
-
“We have taken on more staff” means they have…
- employed new people
- closed the office
- lost workers
Show answer
employed new people
-
“Bring up” a topic means to…
- mention it
- forget it
- end it
Show answer
mention it
All 20 A2 stories
- 💼 An Interview at the Design Agency
- 🚲 Renting a Bicycle in Amsterdam
- 🩺 At the London Doctor’s Surgery
- 🍽️ A Misunderstanding at the Dinner Party
- ✈️ Rearranging a Flight Departure
- 💻 Negotiating a Remote-Work Schedule (this story)
- 🛍️ Returning a Damaged Product
- 🩼 An Injury at the Physiotherapist
- 🌱 Volunteering at the Community Garden
- 🏰 A Tour of the Historic Castle
- 🚙 Planning a Budget Road Trip
- 🚀 Interview with a Startup Founder
- 🏦 Opening a Bank Account
- 🏢 A Flat Viewing with an Estate Agent
- 🏋️ Signing Up for a Gym Membership
- 🧳 A Lost-Luggage Claim
- 🔊 Complaining About a Noisy Neighbour
- 🚗 A Car Breakdown on the Motorway
- 🎓 A Parent–Teacher Meeting
- 👨🍳 A Weekend Cookery Class
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