Summary
During the coronavirus pandemic, many people have discovered home working. It’s proved what can be achieved without being in the office and this has led to a discussion about blended working. What is it and why is Rob so keen to do it? Find out in the programme.
Transcript
Feifei
Hello everyone! Welcome to The English We Speak with me, Feifei…
Rob
And hello, it’s me, Rob.
Feifei
So Rob, I see you’re working from home again today?
Rob
Well, there’s not much choice under the current circumstances.
Feifei
That’s true but what do you prefer? Do you like working at home or working in the office?
Rob
Hmmm, that’s a difficult question to answer. I mean, I like being in the office. I get to see everyone, it’s very sociable and we get to work together, Feifei!
Feifei
Yes but, surely you enjoy working at home too – it’s quiet and you don’t get those annoying interruptions.
Rob
Errr, that’s true – and I can eat as many biscuits as I like – without people complaining!
Feifei
Well, I think ‘blended working’ is the way forward for you.
Rob
Ooo, ‘blended working’ – what’s that?
Feifei
‘Blended working’ is a new expression that describes a mix of working at home and working in the office. It’s another way of describing flexible working. Let’s hear some examples…
Examples
New technology has helped me with blended working. I can now do many of my tasks at home.
Our company is introducing blended working – it will help with my work-life balance and provide more desk space in the office.
I’ve asked my boss for a more blended approach to working – let’s hope he agrees!
Feifei
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we’re learning about the phrase ‘blended working’, which describes a mix of working from home and your place of work. So how do you like the idea of this, Rob?
Rob
It sounds great. So how many days can I work at home?
Feifei
Well, ‘blended working’ means being flexible so it benefits you and the business. It’s happening more and more but it doesn’t work if you’re not self-motivated.
Rob
Self-motivated? I certainly am and working at home is great – I could work in my pyjamas!
Feifei
Hmmm, just make sure you don’t wear them to the office.
Rob
I won’t. Bye.
Feifei
Bye, Rob.