Listening · B2 · section 3 · hard
Discussing a Flexible Working Trial
Play the recording once — 7 questions follow.
The Recording
IELTS listening · section 3 · play once before answering
0:000:00
Exercise — 0 of 7 answered
Q.1Why do employees particularly value flexible starting times?
Q.2The team leader is certain that flexible hours improved productivity.
Q.3What is the main communication problem?
Q.4The team leader suggests core hours from ten until __________.
Q.5Employees working at home have requested better __________.
Q.6How will the teams provide cover during normal business hours?
Q.7The manager plans to extend the trial for __________ months.
Show transcript
MANAGER: Thanks for meeting with me, Leila. I wanted to hear how your team feels about the flexible working trial before we decide whether to extend it.
TEAM LEADER: Overall, the response has been positive. People value being able to start anytime between seven thirty and ten, especially those with long journeys or childcare responsibilities.
MANAGER: Has it affected productivity?
TEAM LEADER: Not negatively. In fact, the number of projects completed on time rose slightly during the trial. However, it's difficult to say that flexible hours caused the improvement because we also introduced the new planning software in March.
MANAGER: Fair point. What problems have you noticed?
TEAM LEADER: Communication has become less predictable. When people work different hours, it's harder to find a time when the whole team is available. Our Monday morning meeting used to be simple, but now two people regularly start later.
MANAGER: Could you move the meeting to the afternoon?
TEAM LEADER: We tried that, but it clashes with client calls. I'd rather introduce core hours, perhaps ten until three, when everyone must be available. Outside those hours, staff could still choose when they work.
MANAGER: That seems reasonable. What about working from home?
TEAM LEADER: At the moment, staff can work remotely one day a week. Most people think that's enough. The main request isn't for more remote days; it's for better equipment. Several employees are using small laptop screens at home, which causes discomfort.
MANAGER: We could offer monitors, although we'd need to estimate the cost first. Are there any concerns from clients?
TEAM LEADER: Only one. A client called at eight thirty and couldn't reach the person managing their account because she had chosen a later start. We solved it that day, but it shows we need cover during normal business hours.
MANAGER: So perhaps each team should nominate an early contact and a late contact.
TEAM LEADER: Yes, and rotate the responsibility so it's fair.
MANAGER: Good. I'll recommend extending the trial for three months, with core hours and a rota for client cover. Could you survey the team about home equipment by Friday?
TEAM LEADER: Certainly. I'll send you the results early next week.