A: Read the article about alternative workplaces in the UK and answer the questions below.
Alternative Workplaces: A New Way of Working
Working life is changing fast. Many companies are breaking away from traditional office setups in the UK. Let’s explore three companies that have created unique work environments.
Have you ever imagined playing games during your workday? At Google, where creativity is highly valued, this is normal! Employees don’t have to remain at one desk all day. Instead, they can move freely between colourful spaces designed for different activities.
Unlike traditional UK offices where fixed desks are mandatory, Google’s workers enjoy flexible spaces. While most UK companies have strict break schedules, Google staff can take breaks when they need to recharge.
However, Google employees must maintain high productivity despite these freedoms. The company understands that even with a relaxed environment, results are essential.
What makes Google special? Their offices include game rooms and relaxation areas that traditional workplaces can’t offer.
Innocent Drinks
Walking into Innocent Drinks’ London headquarters feels like entering a park! Artificial grass covers the floor, and meetings often happen at picnic tables. Do employees have to wear suits and formal clothes? Not at all! Casual clothing is perfectly acceptable.
One of the biggest differences from traditional offices is that workers can bring their dogs to work. This would be impossible in most UK companies, where pets have to stay at home.
Automattic
Working for Automattic means you don’t have to commute every morning. This company, which created the famous WordPress platform, operates completely remotely!
Can employees work from a beach in Spain or a café in Italy? Absolutely! The freedom to work from anywhere in the world makes Automattic very different from traditional workplaces.
While standard UK office workers have to follow 9-to-5 schedules, Automattic’s team members can choose hours that suit their lifestyle. This flexibility isn’t possible in most traditional companies.
Employees mustn’t miss important virtual meetings, though. Even with all this freedom, being reliable is still important.
What is better?
Is there a perfect workplace model? It depends on what you prefer.
Some people need the structure that traditional offices provide. Others thrive when given more freedom.
Would you prefer a colourful office with games, a workspace that looks like a park, or the ability to work from anywhere? Each alternative offers something that traditional workplaces can’t.
What kind of workplace would help you do your best work?
Comprehension
- Where are employees allowed to bring animals to the office?
- Which company has vibrant furnishings?
- Which company allows their team to work anywhere globally?
- Which company allows employees to select their own working schedule?
Vocabulary
Find the words in text and work out the meaning:
- flexible (adjective)
- valued (adjective)
- mandatory (adjective)
- recharge (verb)
- acceptable (adjective)
- commute (verb)
- remotely (adverb)
- lifestyle (noun)
- traditional (adjective)
- reliable (adjective)
Grammar
Match the sentences 1-5 below with the meaning A-E
1. “At Google, employees don’t have to remain at one desk all day.”
2. “Google employees must maintain high productivity despite these freedoms.”
3. “Employees mustn’t miss important virtual meetings.”
4. “Workers can bring their dogs to work.”
5. “Traditional workplaces can’t offer game rooms.”
A: not possible.
B: strongly obliged
C: possible
D: not obliged
E: prohibited