Job satisfaction

1. Aspects of job satisfaction

 What does job satisfaction mean? Is it just having a pleasant

workplace or is it more than that. Can a run-off-the-mill job
be satisfying?
 Some people are prepared to put up with a stressful or
unpleasant job if it means short-term financial reward.
 Staff morale has been very low since the company
announced a freeze on pay rises.
 Our new manager is very keen to encourage teamwork to help us solve problems.
 Is job stability more motivating than an exciting, high-risk career?
 After working in the fast-moving fashion industry for six years, Tung has decided to look for a
career with a better work–life balance.
 Taylor’s job in a dynamic new company is often challenging but exciting.
 Chipu is demotivated in her current job following recent changes in the finance sector. She is
looking to work in / seeking a career in something more creative, like marketing.
(Note: we say look to, meaning consider or plan, NOT look for.)

2.Expressions connected with working life

 In many countries, women are allowed maternity leave, and men paternity leave, if they’re
having a baby. If they adopt a child, they may have a right to adoption leave.
 What perks (informal) / (extra) benefits (formal) do you get in your job?
 What’s your holiday entitlement? I get four weeks a year.
 Do you get regular salary increments each year? [increases/rises; formal]
 Do you get performance-related pay rises?
 Do you get an annual bonus?
 Most people think they are overworked and underpaid. (often said together, an informal)
 Because of the recession, the company announced that there would have to be
voluntary/compulsory redundancies.
 During the strike, the airport managed to continue running with a skeleton staff of
volunteers.
 The people on the interview panel at the last job I applied for were so unfriendly that I got
very nervous.
Note: Job or work
Job refers to a particular role or position.
 Wish me luck in my new job (NOT work).
 Jack’s got a new job as a researcher.
Work refers to activities that you do.
 The best way of getting to work (NOT job) depends on where you live.
 Jack’s work is very demanding.
Pratice 1

Pratice 2

Pratice 3

Pratice 4
Collocations with work

 It’s not easy to get/find work round these parts. I’ve been offered work / a job in Paris.
 What do you do for a living? I’m in publishing/banking, etc.
 It’s hard to make a living as a freelance writer.
 She’s not prepared to take on that job. *suggests ‘having personal responsibility’+
 to do shiftwork or to work shift
 to be on flexi-time
 to work nine-to-five

 to go/be on strike
 to get the sack
 to be fired (more formal than ‘get the sack’)
 to be laid off
 to be made redundant (more formal than ‘be laid off’)

 to be a workaholic  to be on / take maternity or paternity leave

 to be promoted  to be on / take sick leave
 to apply for a job  to take early retirement

Pratice 1

Pratice 2