Vocabulary List (with definitions + example sentences):

1. Work-life balance – The time you spend at work compared to time spent with family, friends, or relaxing.
   Example: Many people want a better work-life balance.
2. Productivity – How much work you can do in a certain time.
   Example: Some studies show higher productivity with fewer workdays.
3. Burnout – Extreme tiredness or stress from working too much.
   Example: She left her job due to burnout.
4. Compressed schedule – Working the same number of hours in fewer days.
   Example: A 4-day work week often uses a compressed schedule.
5. Pilot programme – A small test of a new idea before using it everywhere.
   Example: The company started a pilot programme for shorter weeks.
6. Retention – Keeping employees at a company.
   Example: Good work conditions improve staff retention.
7. Output – The amount of work or products created.
   Example: They were surprised by the team’s high output.
8. Flexible working – Being able to choose when or where you work.
   Example: Flexible working is popular with parents.
9. Mental health – A person’s emotional and psychological well-being.
   Example: Mental health improves when people get enough rest.
10. Trial period – A short time to test something.
    Example: The company tried the new system for a 6-month trial period.

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Listening Questions:

1. What is the main reason some companies try a 4-day work week?
2. Which country had a large pilot programme in 2022?
3. What do supporters say about mental health and shorter weeks?
4. What are some challenges of switching to fewer workdays?
5. How can a 4-day week help with staff retention?

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Grammar Focus: “Used to” vs. “Be used to”

• Used to + verb: talks about past habits that no longer happen.
  Example: I used to work five days a week.
• Be used to + noun/verb-ing: means something is normal for you.
  Example: I’m used to having Fridays off now.

Practice Sentences (Fill in the blanks):

1. I _________ work on weekends, but not anymore.
2. She is _________ starting her day early.
3. They _________ have long meetings, but they changed that.
4. We are _________ working from home two days a week.
5. He _________ spend more than 10 hours in the office.