Office
Name five items of stationery you use at work/home.
stapler, pen, pencil, highlighters, markers, notepads, sticky notes, post-it notes, paper clips, folders, scissors, envelopes, printer paper, binders, hole puncher
What can you buy from a vending machine at work?
You can buy snacks, chocolate bars and drinks. Sometimes there is also coffee.
Who usually chairs a meeting?
Usually a manager or team leader chairs a meeting. They control the discussion.
Why do companies set deadlines for projects?
Deadlines help employees organise their work. They make sure the project is finished on time and everything runs smoothly.
Why do companies sponsor sports events?
Companies sponsor sports events to promote their brand. It helps them reach more customers.
What do you use a stapler for?
I use a stapler to attach papers together. It helps keep documents organised.
You need to issue an invoice. What information must be included?
It should include the company name, date and amount. It also needs payment details.
Why is it important to take minutes during a meeting?
Minutes help record important decisions. People can check them later.
A customer sends a query. What should you do first?
First, I would read the message carefully. Then I would check the necessary information before replying.
What skills from sport are useful in business?
Teamwork and discipline are very useful. In sport and business, people need to work together.
What do you use a hole puncher for?
I use a hole puncher to make holes in paper. Then I can put the documents in a folder.
A company delays settling an invoice. What problems can this cause?
It can cause financial problems. The supplier may stop cooperation.
Why might a company postpone a meeting?
Maybe the manager is unavailable. Sometimes more information is needed before the meeting.
Why might someone be off sick?
They might have the flu or feel unwell. Sometimes they need to rest at home.
What can managers learn from sports coaches?
Managers can learn how to motivate people. Coaches know how to build strong teams.
What does “head office” mean?
It is the main office of a company. Important decisions are made there.
You need to work overtime. What are possible advantages and disadvantages?
You can earn more money. However, you may feel tired and have less free time.
A meeting venue needs to be changed at the last minute. How do you inform everyone?
I would send an email or message immediately. I would clearly explain the new location.
Why do managers sometimes change the scope of someone’s duties?
The company’s needs may change. Sometimes an employee gets a promotion or new responsibilities.
How can competition in sport be similar to competition in business?
In both areas, people try to be better than others. Companies compete for customers just like athletes compete for medals.
You had to do an unpleasant task at work. How can you stay professional?
I would stay calm and focus on finishing the task. I would try to do it carefully and on time.
An employee doesn’t follow legal norms. What could happen?
The company could face legal problems. The employee might receive a warning or lose their job.
You missed an important training session. How can you catch up?
I would ask a colleague for notes. I could also request the training materials.
Your team failed to reach a business target. What should the manager do?
The manager should analyse the problem. Then they should motivate the team and create a new plan.
How can losing a match be similar to losing a client?
It can be disappointing, but it is also a chance to learn. Both situations teach you how to improve.
A colleague reviews your presentation and gives negative feedback. How should you react?
I would listen carefully and thank them for the feedback. Then I would improve the presentation.
A customer makes a complaint about a service. How should the company respond?
The company should apologise and investigate the problem. They should try to find a solution quickly.
During an ad hoc meeting, two colleagues start arguing. What should the chairperson do?
The chairperson should stay calm. They should stop the argument and bring the discussion back to the topic.
Can too much competition be harmful in business? Why?
Yes, it can create stress and conflicts. Healthy competition is good, but cooperation is also necessary.
Imagine your company wants to sponsor a local sports team. What are the advantages?
The company can improve its image. It can also attract local customers.