SPEAKING

SESSION Is Ambition out in

the workforce?
Bio: Embark on a dynamic exploration of the "Navigating the Great Resignation" lesson, where
we dissect the intricacies of evolving work attitudes. Engage in interactive discussions that
encourage participants to share personal insights, analyze detailed case studies of companies
navigating the challenges of the Great Resignation, and refine speaking skills through structured
activities. Additionally, participants will hone their writing abilities by crafting responses to
thought-provoking prompts. This lesson offers a unique opportunity to not only understand the
dynamics of the Great Resignation but also practice and enhance both speaking and writing
skills in the context of this transformative workforce trend. Don't miss the chance to be part of a
conversation that goes beyond headlines, providing valuable insights and fostering effective
communication.
Section 1
Warm up (5 min.)

1 .W H A T ' S O N E T H I N G Y O U ' R E C U R R E N T L Y
WORKING ON THAT EXCITES YOU?
2 .I F Y O U C O U L D H A V E A N Y J O B F O R A D A Y , W H A T
WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
3 .S H A R E A R E C E N T A C C O M P L I S H M E N T , B I G O R
SMALL, THAT MADE YOU PROUD.
4 .D I S C U S S A C H A L L E N G E Y O U ' V E F A C E D
RECENTLY AND HOW YOU OVERCAME IT.
5 .W H O I S S O M E O N E I N Y O U R F I E L D Y O U L O O K U P
TO, AND WHY?
 Video content and discussion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh0D-DiZEN4 (15 min.)

GENERAL REFLECTION:

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE PHENOMENON DISCUSSED IN

THE VIDEO REGARDING PEOPLE LEAVING THEIR JOBS OR TAKING
A STEP BACK FROM THEIR STUDIES? HAVE YOU NOTICED SIMILAR
TRENDS IN YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES OR OBSERVATIONS?
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

DO YOU THINK TAKING A STEP BACK (E.G.,

REDUCING STUDY HOURS OR CHANGING WORK
RESPONSIBILITIES) IS A VALID STRATEGY FOR
ACHIEVING A BALANCE BETWEEN WORK/STUDIES
AND PERSONAL LIFE, BASED ON THE VIDEO?
CAN YOU SHARE A TIME WHEN YOU FELT
DISENGAGED OR BURNED OUT AT WORK OR
DURING YOUR STUDIES, AS MENTIONED IN THE
VIDEO? HOW DID YOU HANDLE IT?

AMBITION AND WORK/STUDIES:

HOW DO YOU DEFINE AMBITION IN THE

CONTEXT OF WORK OR STUDIES, AS DISCUSSED
IN THE VIDEO, AND HOW HAS YOUR
PERSPECTIVE ON AMBITION EVOLVED OVER
TIME?
FACTORS INFLUENCING ATTITUDES:

WHAT EXTERNAL FACTORS MENTIONED IN THE

VIDEO (INFLATION, WAGES, SAFETY CONCERNS,
ETC.) DO YOU THINK THIS CONTRIBUTE TO
PEOPLE'S ATTITUDES TOWARD WORK OR
STUDIES? HOW MIGHT THESE FACTORS IMPACT
INDIVIDUAL AMBITION AND SATISFACTION?

WORK/STUDIES-LIFE BALANCE:

HOW IMPORTANT IS WORK OR STUDY-LIFE

BALANCE TO YOU, AND HOW DO YOU
CURRENTLY ACHIEVE IT? CAN YOU RELATE
THESE STRATEGIES TO THOSE DISCUSSED IN
THE VIDEO?
REFLECTION ON GOALS:

DO YOU SET GOALS THAT ARE INTERNALLY

MOTIVATING IN YOUR WORK OR STUDIES, OR
DO YOU FIND YOURSELF FOCUSING ON
EXTERNAL MARKERS OF SUCCESS, AS
DISCUSSED IN THE VIDEO?
HOW DO YOU BALANCE STRIVING FOR
PROFESSIONAL OR ACADEMIC GROWTH WITH
MAINTAINING GOOD MENTAL HEALTH,
CONSIDERING THE INSIGHTS SHARED IN THE
VIDEO?

THE PURPOSE OF WORK/STUDIES:

HOW DO YOU PERCEIVE THE PURPOSE OF

YOUR JOB OR STUDIES, AND HAS THIS
PERCEPTION CHANGED OVER TIME, AS
MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO?
Section 2: Extra discussion and
homework (15 min)
DEBATE TOPICS
"The Great Resignation: A Necessary Wake-up Call or a Selfish Act?"

Debate whether the mass resignations are a justified response to workplace

dissatisfaction or an irresponsible move that could negatively impact the economy.

"Work-Life Balance: Individual Responsibility or Employer Obligation?"

Discuss whether achieving work-life balance is primarily the responsibility of the

individual employee or if employers should be obligated to create environments that
naturally foster balance.

"Ambition Redefined: Is Society Losing Its Drive?"

Debate whether the changing attitudes towards ambition, as discussed in the video,
signify a positive shift towards personal fulfillment or a concerning lack of societal
motivation.

"Remote Work: Liberation or Isolation?"

Discuss the pros and cons of remote work, debating whether it liberates individuals from
traditional constraints or leads to increased isolation and detachment from work.

"Minimum Work Requirements: Should 'Quiet Quitting' Be Encouraged?"

Debate whether the concept of 'quiet quitting'—doing the minimum to get by without
leaving the job—is a reasonable strategy for achieving work-life balance or an ethically
questionable approach.

"Economic Inequality: A Catalyst for the Great Resignation?"

Discuss whether economic factors, such as inflation and stagnant wages, are significant
contributors to the current trends in the workforce, and if addressing these issues could
alleviate the resignation phenomenon.

"Purpose of Work: Individual Fulfillment vs. Societal Contribution"

Debate whether the current trend of individuals questioning the purpose of their jobs
reflects a positive focus on personal fulfillment or a shift away from contributing
meaningfully to society.

"Remote Work and Company Culture: Compatible or Irreconcilable?"

Discuss whether remote work is compatible with maintaining a strong company culture
or if it leads to a loss of cohesion and shared values among employees.

"Education vs. Experience: Redefining Success in the Workplace"

Debate whether traditional education and degrees still hold value in the workforce, or if
practical experience and skills should be prioritized over formal qualifications.

"The 'New Normal': Embracing Change or Resisting Progress?"

Discuss whether the changes in work attitudes and practices, as highlighted in the video,
represent a positive evolution towards a healthier work-life balance or if there is
resistance to necessary progress.
 Case studies
Case Study: Company X's Proactive Response to the Great Resignation

Problem:

While Company X experienced positive outcomes from its proactive measures, a new challenge
emerged as the organization navigated the complexities of a hybrid work model. The shift
towards remote and in-office work created potential disparities in team dynamics,
communication, and collaboration. Some employees felt isolated working remotely, missing out
on spontaneous interactions and networking opportunities available to their in-office
counterparts. This raised concerns about the inclusivity of career development opportunities
and the potential formation of cliques within the organization. As a result, Company X faced the
challenge of maintaining a cohesive team culture and ensuring equal opportunities for
professional growth for all employees, regardless of their work location.

Discussion Question:

How can organizations effectively manage the hybrid work model to ensure both remote and in-
office employees experience equal opportunities for career development and collaboration,
addressing potential disparities in team dynamics and fostering a sense of inclusivity?

Case Study: Transforming Company Y's Culture through a Four-Day Work Week

Problem:

While the implementation of a four-day work week significantly improved employee morale at
Company Y, a new challenge emerged in maintaining consistent client communication. The
condensed work schedule posed difficulties in managing client expectations, potentially
impacting the quality and timeliness of deliverables. This raised concerns about the long-term
sustainability of the four-day work week, particularly in client-focused industries where
maintaining strong relationships is paramount. As a result, Company Y faced the challenge of
balancing internal improvements in employee well-being with external commitments to clients.

Discussion Question:

How can organizations successfully implement a condensed work schedule, such as a four-day
work week, without compromising client relationships and external communication, ensuring
that internal improvements in employee well-being align with external commitments?

Case Study: Navigating Remote Work Challenges at Company Z

Problem:

The shift to remote work at Company Z, while providing increased flexibility, led to
communication gaps and increased employee burnout. The lack of face-to-face interactions
resulted in misunderstandings, decreased team collaboration, and a sense of isolation among
employees. Additionally, the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life contributed
to heightened stress levels and burnout. As a result, Company Z faced the challenge of finding
effective strategies to enhance communication, strengthen team cohesion, and address burnout
in a remote work setting.

Discussion Question:

What strategies can organizations employ to mitigate communication challenges and address
burnout in a remote work setting, especially when employees struggle to establish clear
boundaries between work and personal life?

Case Study: Industry Shifts in Response to Changing Attitudes in the Finance Sector

Problem:

The finance sector experienced resistance to changes, creating a divide between firms that
embraced new practices and those adhering to traditional approaches. This resistance hindered
collaboration and knowledge-sharing between organizations with different work philosophies.
The clash of perspectives led to a potential loss of innovative ideas and hindered the overall
progress of the industry. As a result, the finance sector faced the challenge of bridging the gap
between traditional and modern work practices, fostering collaboration and innovation while
respecting established norms and values.

Discussion Question:

How can industries like finance bridge the gap between traditional and modern work practices,
fostering collaboration and innovation while respecting established norms and values, and
ensuring that the clash of perspectives does not hinder progress?
 Essay
"The Great Resignation and Evolving Work Attitudes: Catalysts for
Positive Change or Threats to Stability?"