logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
16m 9s

The remote-work battle rages on

Plain English
About this episode

Today's story: Five years after the pandemic began, the fight over remote work still isn’t settled. Some companies are demanding full-time office attendance, using badge swipes and tracking software to enforce it. Others are trying to lure workers back with perks. Meanwhile, employees are pushing for more flexibility.

Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/754

--

Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.

You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.

How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.

The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.

--

Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join

Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Mentioned in this episode:

The Expressions are back!

Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Up next
Aug 21
Egypt’s long-awaited mega-museum nears completion
Today's story: After years of delays, Cairo’s Grand Egypt Museum is finally nearing completion. The massive museum will house over 100,000 artifacts from Ancient Egypt, including more than 5,000 items from King Tut’s tomb. Although the King Tut galleries are still closed, most of ... Show More
13m 42s
Aug 18
The poison mushroom and Australia’s sensational murder trial
Today's story: Erin Patterson invited her estranged husband’s family to lunch and served them beef wellington. But her guests soon got sick, and doctors discovered the recipe had been made with poisonous death cap mushrooms. Patterson claimed it was all a tragic mistake, but inco ... Show More
14m 53s
Aug 14
Cities are getting that sinking feeling
Today's story: Cities around the world are sinking due to a combination of groundwater extraction, rapid urbanization, and the weight of large buildings. This phenomenon, called subsidence, can damage infrastructure, worsen flooding, and, in some places, become irreversible.Trans ... Show More
13m 55s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
Why Slow English News Comprehension Is Easier Than You Think-If You Do This Ep 779
What if smart glasses could tell you everything about the strangers you see? Today we we improve your English skills while we learn about AI glasses, chickens and how the British https://adeptenglish.com/ people rebel against the system! An English language listening lesson that ... Show More
15m 57s
Jul 2024
Learn English With Positive News Stories Ep 761
Learn English with a smile, listening to today's positive news stories. You know, the magic of this type of learning is how it combines language learning with fascinating content. You're not just memorizing words - you're absorbing English through engaging stories you want to lis ... Show More
11m 39s
Nov 2024
Learn English While Tackling Toxic Productivity Ep 786
Have you ever felt like you’re working hard but never quite catching up? That might be toxic productivity at play. Today while we listen & learn English we discover how to say no and manage expectations to avoid overcommitting yourself. Did you know that most English conversation ... Show More
14m 27s
Sep 2024
[320] How AI-Powered Smartphones Can Boost Your English Skills
In this episode, we explore how the latest AI technology from Samsung can enhance your English learning experience. Plus, I’ll share a personal story on how AI is shaking things up in the way we work. Tune in and let’s embrace the future of language learning together! Enjoy :) Do ... Show More
15m 46s
Nov 2024
Improve English Fluency With Slow British News Ep 784
Today's English lesson is all about improving your fluency through listening practice. The lesson covers stories in the news, where we ask: Can UK politicians really “eat their words” over Trump’s election? Why are Big Tech companies forcing employees back to the office? We keep ... Show More
12m 49s
Aug 8
Simplified Speech #226 – What we’re bad at
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana explore a topic everyone can relate to – the things we’re bad at. They share funny and honest stories about their struggles with tasks like assembling IKEA furniture, drawing, handling insects, recalling movie details, parking ... Show More
28m 32s
Jul 25
[331] What to Do When You Feel Stuck Learning English
Feeling stuck with your English? In this episode, I talk about what to do when your progress slows down or when you feel like you're not improving. You'll learn phrases like hit a plateau, shake things up, and break through. I’ll also share a short story with Ana and Carlos (my t ... Show More
9m 14s
Aug 2024
What3words App-How It Can Change Your Life-English Listening Practice Ep 767
What3words App: Imagine three simple words saving a life and sharpening your English listening practice skills at the same time. Intrigued? Discover how a clever app could transform emergencies and boost your English language fluency. Click play and start listening to the story b ... Show More
8m 56s
Sep 2024
Adept English Explains How To Use News Stories For Language Learning Ep 774
What if everything you thought about learning British English was holding you back? This lesson https://adeptenglish.com/lessons/ will challenge your usual learning approach and show you a more effective way to speak naturally and confidently. A reminder that we have launched our ... Show More
14 m
Jun 8
Bonus episode #148 – From A to Z
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of your favorite English podcast? In this episode, Andrew gives you an exclusive peek into the Culips production process while teaching you natural English expressions and vocabulary along the way. You'll learn useful phrases like "beh ... Show More
25m 31s