Is your company ticking all the right boxes? In this comprehensive lesson, students will engage in thoughtful discussions about employee satisfaction and explore the various factors that influence motivation levels in the workplace. This lesson features an insightful video that delves into F. Herzberg’s renowned motivation theory, providing students with a solid theoretical framework. Participants will learn and practice key vocabulary and idioms related to the topic, enhancing their business English skills. The lesson is enriched with plenty of lively discussions, allowing students to express their views and apply their new knowledge.

Lesson Objectives

Grammar: Students will practice mixed grammar structures, with a focus on idiomatic expressions and modal verbs, enhancing their ability to form complex sentences about work experiences and preferences.

Listening: By watching a video on F. Herzberg’s motivation theory, students will improve their listening skills. They will learn to identify key details about what motivates employees and the dual factors affecting job satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

Speaking: Through discussions and role-play, students will express their own opinions on job satisfaction, using vocabulary and phrases learned from the video. They will debate the effectiveness of different motivational strategies within workplaces.

Vocabulary: Key terms such as "hygiene factors," "autonomy," and idioms like "shoot for the moon" and "kick in the pants" will be introduced. Students will use these terms in discussions to articulate complex ideas about job satisfaction and employee motivation.

Cultural Awareness: Students will explore how different cultures perceive job satisfaction, discussing how motivation is managed across various professional environments globally. They will compare the implications of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivational factors in diverse workplace settings.

Homework: Tasks will include filling in the blanks to complete idioms, choosing the correct form of words related to job satisfaction, and completing sentences to apply new vocabulary and concepts. These exercises aim to solidify understanding of how language reflects workplace dynamics and employee attitudes towards satisfaction and motivation.

Video

Are you satisfied with your company? How can things improve at work?

Watch this video that discusses F. Herzberg’s motivation theory to learn

about career fulfillment.

Video Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

job satisfaction [noun phrase]: the level of contentment or fulfillment an individual experiences in their work or occupation

motivation level [noun phrase]: the degree of determination or enthusiasm a person has toward achieving a goal or completing a task

kick in the pants [idiom]: a metaphorical expression referring to something that motivates or encourages someone to take action, often through a sense of urgency or necessity

hygiene factor [noun phrase]: elements in a work environment that, if lacking, can cause dissatisfaction among employees

disgruntled [adjective]: feeling dissatisfied or discontented, typically due to grievances or a sense of unfair treatment

distinction [noun]: a noticeable difference or feature that sets someone or something apart from others; recognition for excellence or achievement

simultaneous [adjective]: occurring, existing, or done at the same time

time and again [phrase]: repeatedly; on numerous occasions

go to great lengths [idiom]: to make considerable or extraordinary efforts to accomplish something

strain every nerve [idiom]: to exert maximum effort or use all available resources to achieve a goal

put one’s heart and soul into something [idiom]: to invest one's utmost effort, passion, and dedication into something

shoot for the moon [idiom]: to set extremely ambitious goals or aim for something very difficult to achieve

go out of one’s way [idiom]: to make a special effort or inconvenience oneself in order to help or accommodate someone else

do things by halves [idiom]: to do something incompletely or with insufficient effort; to be half-hearted in one's actions

two-pronged [adjective]: involving two different ways of achieving the same aim

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