Dive into the world of blockchain with our latest episode! Perfect for intermediate English learners (B2), this podcast breaks down the basics of blockchain, its business applications, and key terminology. Featuring expert insights and real-world examples, this episode helps you enhance your business English skills while understanding this revolutionary technology. Tune in and stay ahead in the business world!

New English US

Business English Podcast: Blockchain Technology (B2)

Neste episódio vamos conhecer Granada em Espanha através do nosso convidado especial. 

Conversações pelo Mundo

Conhecer Granada com o Mario

Una pequeña historia con una gran enseñanza .Espero la disfruten.

REFLEXIONES DE VIDA EN ESPAÑOL -LIFE REFLECTIONS IN SPANISH

Amor, éxito y riqueza

In this episode I am talking about  talking, talking to yourself, talking to Your Self and the importance of it along your journey. 
Enjoy the episode!

Like a Chameleon

Talking to Your Self

Calling for Help
PETER: Hey! That car just ran a red light and hit that truck!
GAIL: Is anyone hurt?
PETER: I don’t know … let’s call 911. … Hello? I’d like to report
a car accident near the post office on Charles Street.
It looks like a man is hurt. Yes, it just happened. OK, 
thanks. Bye.
GAIL: What did they say?
PETER: They’re going to send an ambulance and a police car 
right away.
GAIL: Good, they’re here. I hope the man is OK.
PETER: I know. You have to be so careful when you’re driving.


LANGUAGE NOTES
• Hey! This expression is used to show surprise. Notice how That car just ran a red light
and hit that truck! is said with a lot of energy.
• Is anyone hurt? This is a yes/no question, so the intonation rises at the end. Notice 
how this question is asked in a worried way.
• 911 is the phone number you dial for emergency services. The person who answers 
will ask you questions about the emergency situation and then send out the necessary 
emergency services, which may include police officers, firefighters and an ambulance.
• I’d like to report a car accident near the post office on Charles Street. Notice how 
the key words “car accident,” “post office” and “Charles Street” are stressed. These are 
the important details that the emergency services need. 
• It just happened is a way of saying “It happened a moment ago.” Notice the stress on 
“just,” which emphasizes that the accident happened very, very recently.
• What did they say? Notice how “say” is emphasized, but the intonation falls at the end 
of the word. This is a “what” question, so the intonation falls at the end

English Conversation practice (30-day challenge)

Day 13: Calling for help

Learn English with Stories

Lots of Kittens!

Listen to this interesting article!

Man Fired for Keeping Webcam Off Awarded $73,000
A remote worker who was fired for refusing to keep his camera on while working has been awarded about $73,000 by a Dutch court.

The man, whose name was not made public, had been working for the US software company Chetu in the Netherlands since 2019. On August 23, 2022, while working remotely, he was told by his employer that he should keep his webcam on all day for online training.

The employee said he didn't feel comfortable being monitored on camera for nine hours, and refused to do so. He added that the company could already see all activities on his laptop and that he was also sharing his screen.

But Chetu said that having a camera on was no different from being watched in an office. And the company fired him.

Finding this unfair, the man took the company to court in the Netherlands. He told the court that he hadn't been given clear enough reasons for being fired, and that asking him to keep his camera on for the whole workday was against his right to privacy.

And the court agreed. Chetu now must pay the man about $73,000.

While using a webcam to check on employees may not be very common, computer programs that monitor employee activity have become popular.

A survey from 2021 found that 60% of US companies with remote workers were using employee monitoring software, and 81% of those companies found that their workers were more productive while being monitored.

Practice Listening, Reading & Comprehension

Man Fired for Keeping Webcam Off Awarded $73,000


Job insecurity is the feeling of uncertainty or anxiety about the continued existence of your employment. It's the opposite of job security, where there's confidence your position is stable. Job insecurity can be triggered by actual threats like company restructuring, economic downturns, or technological advancements, or it can be a perceived threat based on factors like short-term contracts, limited job control, or a lack of clear career advancement opportunities.

While the fear of job loss might be the main concern, job insecurity goes beyond that. It encompasses feelings of powerlessness, a lack of control over your future, and potential negative consequences like stress, anxiety, and decreased motivation. This can impact not just employee well-being but also company performance through lower productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover.

Job insecurity is a complex issue with various causes and effects. Understanding it allows businesses to create a work environment that fosters security and reduces employee anxiety. This can involve providing clear communication about company goals and employee roles, offering opportunities for professional development, and promoting work-life balance initiatives. By addressing job insecurity, businesses can create a more stable and productive workforce. 

A business coach, like myself, can be a valuable asset in combating job insecurity within a company. They can work with managers to develop transparent communication strategies, ensuring employees understand their roles and the company's direction. Additionally, the coach can guide managers in crafting career development plans for employees, fostering a sense of growth and opportunity. By creating a culture that values continuous learning and clear communication, business coaches empower employees and mitigate the anxieties associated with job insecurity.

The Global Professional Podcast

Job Insecurity - Episode 101

PROFESOR DE FILOSOFÍA.

Profesor de Filosofía a un amigo:
-Hombre, me dijeron que ayer estuviste en mi conferencia. ¿Te gustó?
-No he podido dormir en toda la noche.
-¿Tanto te impresionaron mis conceptos?
-No. Es que no puedo dormir de noche cuando he dormido por la tarde.

