The case for a shorter workweek

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.

To lead to (something)

There’s no doubt that…

To reduce 

A boost/ To boost (something)

To set up (something)

To fit (something) into (something)

To cut down (on something)

To argue that 

Efficient 

To incentivise

To take a toll (on something/ someone) 

To sustain (something) 

To plummet 

To juggle

To roll out (something)

A firm

Silver bullet

To cram

What’s in it for (someone)?

To devote 

To slash

A proponent (of something)

To streamline (something)

To keep (something) at bay

To incur costs

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

1. What did John Trougakos say about the 40-hour working week?

2. What were the findings of the study in Iceland?

3. What did the article say about how a shorter working week boosts health and wellbeing?

4. What did the article say about the future of the shorter working week?

5. ‘A shorter working week would be fantastic for my health and wellbeing.’ Is this true for you?

6. ‘A shorter working week would increase productivity in my place of work.’ Is this true for you?

7. ‘Most workers spend a huge amount of time procrastinating.’ Do you agree?

8. ‘In the future, we’ll all definitely have a shorter working week.’ Do you agree?

9. ‘School children should also have a shorter week.’ Do you agree?

10. ‘I’ve never been asked to do overtime by my employer.’ Is this true for you?

11. ‘People who run their own business are more stressed than people who are employed.’ Do you agree?

12. ‘Happy workers are always more productive.’ Do you agree?

13. ‘I’ve never had a boss who I respected.’ Is this true for you?

14. ‘Financial incentives always make workers more productive.’ Do you agree?

15. ‘Most university courses could take place over a far shorter period of time.’ Do you agree?