4.17 Work and Employment
1️⃣ Work & Employment Collocations
Job satisfaction — feeling happy with your job.
Example (Writing): “Job satisfaction is often more important than a high salary.”
Work-life balance — balance between work and personal life.
Example (Speaking): “Remote work has helped many people improve their work-life balance.”
Career progression — moving forward in your career.
Example (Writing): “Training programs can support career progression.”
Employment opportunities — chances to get a job.
Example (Speaking): “Big cities usually offer better employment opportunities.”
Job security — the certainty of keeping a job.
Example (Writing): “Public sector jobs are often associated with job security.”
Unemployment rate — percentage of people without jobs.
Example (Writing): “The government is trying to reduce the unemployment rate.”
Workplace environment — the physical and social setting of a job.
Example (Speaking): “A positive workplace environment increases productivity.”
Minimum wage — the lowest legal salary.
Example (Writing): “Raising the minimum wage can improve living standards.”
2️⃣ Idioms & Phrases Related to Work & Employment
Climb the corporate ladder — get promoted in a company.
Example: “He worked hard and climbed the corporate ladder quickly.”
Dead-end job — a job with no future or growth.
Example: “Many people leave dead-end jobs to seek better opportunities.”
Bring home the bacon — earn money for the family.
Example: “She works two jobs to bring home the bacon.”
Get the sack / be fired — lose your job.
Example: “He got the sack for repeated lateness.”
Pull your weight — do your fair share of work.
Example: “Teamwork only works when everyone pulls their weight.”
Burning the candle at both ends — working too much and getting tired.
Example: “She’s burning the candle at both ends preparing for her promotion.”
3️⃣ Phrasal Verbs Related to Work & Employment
Take on (a job/responsibility) — accept or start something new.
Example: “She took on a management role last month.”
Step down — resign from a position.
Example: “The CEO stepped down after 10 years in charge.”
Carry out (duties/tasks) — perform.
Example: “He carries out inspections as part of his role.”
Take over — assume control.
Example: “A new manager will take over next week.”
Move up — get promoted.
Example: “She moved up quickly through hard work.”
Lay off — dismiss employees due to lack of work.
Example: “The company laid off 200 workers after the recession.”
4️⃣ Work & Employment Vocabulary (Advanced)
| Term | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer | A self-employed person who works for different companies. | “Freelancers enjoy flexibility but lack job security.” |
| Workforce | All people engaged in or available for work. | “The aging workforce is a challenge for some economies.” |
| Remote work / Telecommuting | Working from a location outside the office. | “Remote work has become the norm since the pandemic.” |
| Gig economy | A labor market with short-term contracts/freelance work. | “The gig economy offers flexibility but fewer benefits.” |
| Internship | Short-term work experience, often unpaid. | “Internships help students gain practical experience.” |
| Occupational hazard | A risk or danger associated with a job. | “Firefighters face many occupational hazards.” |
| Job burnout | Physical/emotional exhaustion from overwork. | “Job burnout is common in high-stress professions.” |
| Recruitment process | The steps to hire someone. | “The recruitment process involves interviews and assessments.” |
5️⃣ Synonyms for “Work” & “Employment”
Work:
- Job
- Occupation
- Profession
- Career
- Position
- Role
- Trade (manual work)
- Vocation (formal)
Employment:
- Labor / Labour
- Workforce participation
- Hiring
- Occupation
- Job placement
- Staff engagement
- Job market activity
- Gainful activity (formal)