6BEO - Hybrid working

• Engels
• Secundair onderwijs

6BEO - Hybrid working

Period 1

Hybrid working?

"Post-Christmas blues as UK bosses try to turn back clock on hybrid working." (The Guardian - Fri 3/1/25)
1. What do you think this article is about?
2. Do you expect a positive, negative or neutral tone?

Skim & Scan

1. Skim for the main idea
2. underline key terms

What is the general trend described in the text?

Exploring new vocab - matching exercise

Mandate

Foster

Wellbeing

Flexibility

Retention

Commute

Collaboration

Productivity

Hybrid

Guided reading

1. What are the main reasons why some companies want employees to return to the office?

2. Why is hybrid working considered important by some employees?

3. How does Amazon’s policy differ from other companies mentioned in the text?

4. What does the text say about global trends in hybrid working?

5. Why have UK workers been slower to return to offices compared to other countries?

6. What challenges do companies face when trying to roll back hybrid working?

Class discussion:
Which arguments for returning to the office do you find most convincing? Why?

Class discussion:
What benefits of hybrid working do you think are most important? Can you relate them to your own or your family’s experiences?

Think - Pair - Share

Step 1 - Think (2')

Take 2 minutes to think individually about the question:

"Do you agree with companies insisting on returning to the office? Why or why not?"

Reflect on:

Pros and cons mentioned in the text.

Personal experiences or opinions on working environments

Step 2 - Pair (3')

Pair up with the person next to you and discuss your thoughts.

Use these prompts to guide the discussion:

"I think companies should/should not insist on returning because..."

"One example from the text that supports my view is..."

TIP:  challenge or build on your partner’s opinion.

Step 3 - Share (3')

Each group shares their opinions with the class

Preparing for the debate

Group 1: Pro-Office Mandates

Support the idea of employees returning to the office for a set number of days.

Group 2: Pro-Hybrid Flexibility

Advocate for employees having the freedom to work remotely or hybrid.

Preparing for the debate

Group Brainstorming

Work in groups to brainstorm arguments for your assigned position.

Instructions:

Use evidence and examples from the text to support your arguments.

E.G.

• Pro-Office Mandates can argue that in-person collaboration fosters creativity and teamwork.
• Pro-Hybrid Flexibility can highlight improved wellbeing and time saved on commuting.

Write down at least 3 strong arguments and prepare counterpoints for the other side.

Useful key phrases:

"One reason why we believe..."

"The text mentions that..."

"A counterargument to this is..."

Period 2

Debate warm up

True or false?
"Amazon requires its employees to work in the office three days a week."

1. True
2. False

Amazon requires employees to work in the office five days a week.

True or false?
"Hybrid working has been shown to improve staff wellbeing and save time."

1. True
2. False

The text highlights improved wellbeing and time saved by avoiding commutes as benefits of hybrid working.

True or false?
"BT uses office entry and exit data to monitor employee attendance."

1. True
2. False

The text mentions that BT monitors attendance using office entry and exit data.

True or false?
"Most companies in Germany have completely abandoned hybrid working."

1. True
2. False

Many companies in Germany, such as SAP and Deutsche Telekom, have adopted hybrid working, typically requiring employees to be in the office three days a week.

What is BT’s hybrid working policy called?

1. "Work Anywhere Initiative"
2. "Two Days Together, Three Remote"
3. "Three together, two wherever."
4. "Flexible Futures Program"

The debate - general rules

One team will argue Pro-Office Mandates (companies requiring office attendance).

The other will argue Pro-Hybrid Flexibility (employees choosing when to work remotely).

The structure:

1. Opening Arguments: 3 minutes per team. (6')
2. Rebuttals: 5 minutes total. (5')
3. Closing Statements: 2 minutes per team. (4')
4. Non-participating students act as the jury, noting key points and strengths of each argument

The debate

Opening Arguments (6 minutes)

The debate

Rebuttals (5 minutes)

• Each team responds to the opposing side’s points:
• Highlight weaknesses in their arguments.
• Provide counterexamples or alternative perspectives.

The debate

Closing Arguments (4 minutes)

Each team summarizes their strongest points and concludes why their position is more convincing.

The debate

Jury Feedback:

Jury members share which team they found more convincing and why.

Give specific feedback, e.g., “Team 2 used strong evidence about employee wellbeing.”

Declare a Winner:

The team with the most compelling arguments, as decided by the jury, is declared the winner.

Role-play activity

4 roles:

CEO: Supports strict office mandates

HR Manager: Advocates for a balanced hybrid approach

Employee: Prefers full remote working

Union Representative: Focuses on employee wellbeing and rights

Scenarios

1. Hold a mock meeting to discuss the company's new working policy.
2. You negotiate and defend your positions using formal language.