IELTS Topical VocabularyWork
The expressions printed in bold within the paragraphs below can enrich your vocabulary range when you're writing or speaking about topics related to work.
Job satisfaction is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment. When employees are not satisfied with their work, it can lead to increased sick leave and decreased productivity. It is important for employers to provide opportunities for their employees to take time off and recharge, so they can hit the ground running when they return to work. Working stiffs who feel appreciated and supported by their employers are more likely to be productive, innovative, and committed to their jobs.
job satisfaction:
the degree of contentment or fulfillment that an employee experiences with their job
sick leave:
the time off from work that is allowed for illness or injury
take time off:
to take a break from work, often for rest or vacation
recharge (v):
resting or taking time off from work to recover and re-energize physically and mentally
hit the ground running:
to start working quickly and efficiently from the beginning
working stiff:
a regular employee who is not in a managerial position and typically has a routine job
committed to your job:
showing dedication or loyalty to your job
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is key to preventing burnout. Working a nine-to-five job can be demanding, and the pressure to meet deadlines may lead to long hours of burning the midnight oil. While it may be tempting to work without breaks, it is important to prioritize self-care and avoid burning yourself out in order to get a slightly more lucrative pay slip that is, well, probably not worth the stress and exhaustion.
burnout (n):
Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion due to prolonged stress or overwork
a nine-to-five job (n):
a traditional work schedule that typically includes five days of eight hours each, starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m.
demanding (adj):
requiring a lot of time, energy, or effort
meet deadlines:
complete tasks or projects by the predetermined due date
burning the midnight oil:
working into the late hours of the night
burn yourself out (v):
overwork or exhaust yourself to the point of being unable to continue at the same level of performance
pay slip (n):
a document given to an employee that shows the earnings and deductions from a paycheck
When considering your career path, it's important to think about how you will make a living. You may find yourself reaching out to head hunters for job opportunities, or putting in the effort to pull your weight in your current position. If you're feeling unsatisfied or have better job prospects on the horizon, it may be time to resign. No matter what direction you choose, it's important to remain positive and focused on achieving your career goals.
career path:
the sequence of positions or jobs that a person progresses through in their work life
make a living:
to earn enough money to cover one's basic needs
head hunter:
a person who searches for skilled individuals to fill job vacancies
pull your weight:
to do your fair share of work or contribute fully to a team
job prospects:
the likelihood of being hired for a particular position or job
Whether you are climbing the career ladder or out-of-work, it is important to always go above and beyond in your efforts. Putting in a full day's work, going the extra mile, and even doing tasks that are all in a day's work can help you stand out from the competition. If you demonstrate a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, you may even be rewarded with a bonus or a positive notice from your superiors.
climb the career ladder:
move up in an organization by taking on increasingly higher-level positions
out-of-work (adj):
unemployed or not currently employed
(go) above and beyond (sth) (idiom):
to exceed expectations or to do beyond what is required
go the extra mile (for sb/sth) (idiom):
go/do beyond what is expected in order to achieve a desired outcome
all in a day's work (idiom):
something that is expected as part of the job, regardless of its difficulty
work ethic (n):
the principles that guide a person's approach to work, including their attitude, commitment, and determination
bonus (n):
an extra amount of money or reward given to an employee in addition to their regular salary
In today’s job market, many people are seeking job security, but some are willing to trade that for flexible working hours or even flexible employment. Others are exploring alternatives, like apprenticeships or doing voluntary work, to gain experience or make a difference in their community. Some may find themselves between jobs or considering taking early retirement, in which case, they might consult with a head hunter to explore new opportunities.
apprenticeship (n):
a system of training for a trade or profession that involves on-the-job training and instruction
do voluntary work (v):
to perform work or services for a cause or organization without expecting payment
between jobs (idiom):
a period of time between periods of employment
take early retirement (v):
to retire from a job earlier than the standard retirement age, usually at or before the age of 65
For many people, the path to success requires commitment and hard work, even if that means ‘no pain, no gain.’ Getting your foot in the door with a company might mean starting with entry-level positions, but the key to advancement is to put your best foot forward, whether you are clocking in at an office or working from home. Pulling a sickie when you are not really sick might sound appealing, but real growth and recognition come from hard work and dedication.
commitment (n):
the willingness and dedication of an employee to work hard and do their best to contribute to the success of the company or organization
no pain, no gain (idiom):
the idea that achieving success or improvement often requires hard work, sacrifice, or effort
get/have a/your foot in the door (idiom):
to get a job, especially an entry-level one, that allows you to begin a career
put your best foot forward (idiom):
To try your hardest and give your best effort at something
clock in (v):
to start working, typically by recording the time at which you arrive at work
work from home (v):
to work remotely, using technology to perform one’s job tasks from home or another location outside of an office
pull a sickie (v):
to call in sick to work when you’re not actually sick
Whether you are learning the ropes of a new position or working overtime to meet a deadline, it is important to find a healthy balance between work and life. Being overworked can lead to burnout, even if you are working flexitime to fit your schedule. Working your fingers to the bone might bring short-term rewards, but in the long run, it can be more detrimental than beneficial. When it is time to clock out, make sure you are leaving work behind and not bringing it home with you.
learn the ropes (idiom):
to become familiar with a job, task, or skill through experience or instruction
do / work overtime (v):
to work beyond the typical work hours or to put in extra hours of work
work flexitime (v):
to work hours that are flexible or adaptable to individual needs and preferences
work your fingers to the bone (idiom):
to work extremely hard.
clock out (v):
to stop working, typically by recording the time at which you leave work
Being made redundant can be disheartening, especially if you have worked like a Trojan for a company. However, it is important to keep a positive outlook and use it as an opportunity to reassess your career goals and priorities. Consider the company’s corporate culture when looking for a new job; while some employers might value traditional work styles, others might encourage employees to think out of the box and take on new challenges.
be made redundant (v):
to lose one's job because the position has been eliminated or the company has reduced its workforce
work like a Trojan (idiom):
to work very hard, almost to the point of exhaustion
corporate culture (n):
the values, attitudes, and behaviors of an organization, which influence how work is done and how people interact with each other
think out of the box (idiom):
to approach a problem in an unconventional way, often by considering ideas or solutions that are not immediately apparent or obvious
Are you underpaid in your current role? Consider applying for a new vacancy in a different company, but be sure to review the perks and benefits on offer. If you find that the salary is not what you expected, or the workload is too much, you might have to go back to the drawing board. However, with maternity leave or other benefits that come on the job, you could bring home the bacon and still enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance.
underpaid (adj):
receiving a salary that is lower than the average for a particular job or industry
vacancy (n):
an open position or job that is available for people to apply for
perks (n):
additional benefits or privileges that are offered to employees, such as health insurance, vacation time, or gym membership
workload (n):
the amount of work that an individual or team is responsible for completing
(go) back to the drawing board (idiom):
to start over or reconsider a plan or idea after it has been rejected or shown to be ineffective
maternity leave (n):
a period of time when a woman can take a break from work to recover from childbirth and care for her baby without losing her job
on the job (n):
while working or performing work-related tasks
bring home the bacon (idiom):
to earn a good salary and provide financial support for one’s family
In the pursuit of a fulfilling career, you might encounter the challenge of downsizing or a toxic workplace atmosphere. Remember that your calling is more than just a desk job; it is a career that aligns with your values and passions. Even if you find yourself in a tough situation, keep your nose to the grindstone and do not let it deter you from landing a job that will help you thrive. Be wary of becoming a workaholic, but do not lose sight of your goals either.
downsizing:
the process of reducing the number of employees or workforce in a company, usually by eliminating jobs or departments
toxic work atmoshphere:
an unhealthy or hostile work environment that can negatively impact employees’ mental and physical health, productivity, and morale
desk job (n):
a job that primarily involves sitting at a desk or workstation, such as an office job
keep your nose to the grindstone (idiom):
a phrase that means to work hard and continuously in order to achieve a goal
land a job (v):
to obtain or secure employment, often after a period of searching or applying for jobs
workaholic (v):
a person who is obsessed with work and works excessively, often to the detriment of their personal life or well-being