Work & Career

20 words

1. 1

   reskillverb/riːˈskɪl/

   to teach or learn new skills so someone can do a different job

   “Factories offer programs to reskill workers whose jobs are automated.”

2. 2

   automationnoun/ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃən/

   the process of using machines or computer systems to do tasks previously done by people

   “Automation has reduced the number of assembly-line workers in that factory.”

3. 3

   unionnoun/ˈjuːniən/

   an organization representing workers that negotiates with employers about pay and working conditions

   “The union negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement with the company.”

4. 4

   remunerationnoun/rɪˌmjuːnəˈreɪʃən/

   the total pay or reward someone receives for work, including salary and other benefits

   “Many companies publish senior executives' total remuneration in annual reports.”

5. 5

   outsourceverb/ˈaʊtsɔːs/

   To obtain goods or services from an external supplier instead of producing them internally.

   “Many companies outsource IT support to specialised firms abroad.”

6. 6

   compensationnoun/ˌkɒmpənˈseɪʃən/

   money or other payment given to make up for loss, injury, or for work done

   “After the accident the company paid compensation to the injured worker.”

7. 7

   incentivenoun/ɪnˈsɛntɪv/

   something, especially money, that encourages a person to do something

   “The company offers an incentive to employees who meet sales targets.”

8. 8

   burnoutnoun/ˈbɜːnaʊt/

   A state of extreme mental and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork.

   “After two years of unpaid overtime she suffered from severe burnout.”

9. 9

   contractornoun/kənˈtræktə(r)/

   A person or company that agrees to provide services or do a job for a set price or period, usually not employed permanently.

   “The city hired a contractor to repair the bridge over the summer.”

10. 10

    telecommuteverb/ˌtelɪkəˈmjuːt/

    to work from home or another remote location, using the internet and phone instead of commuting to an office

    “Since the pandemic, many employees telecommute at least part-time.”

11. 11

    flexibilitynoun/ˌflɛksəˈbɪlɪti/

    The ability to change or be changed easily to suit different conditions, especially in work arrangements.

    “Flexible working hours give staff more flexibility to balance family and career.”

12. 12

    sabbaticalnoun/səˈbætɪkəl/

    a period of paid leave granted to a worker, often to study or travel, typically after several years of service

    “After ten years of teaching she took a sabbatical to complete her book.”

13. 13

    underemploymentnoun/ˌʌndə(r)ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/

    A situation in which people work in jobs that do not fully use their skills or do not provide enough working hours.

    “Recent graduates often face underemployment when only part‑time jobs are available.”

14. 14

    severancenoun/ˈsev(ə)rəns/

    Payment or benefits given to an employee upon termination of employment, especially after dismissal.

    “The company offered generous severance packages to affected staff.”

15. 15

    strikenoun/verb/straɪk/

    a refusal to work organised by employees to protest or demand changes

    “Workers went on strike after talks over pay failed.”

16. 16

    autonomynoun/ɔːˈtɒnəmi/

    freedom to make your own decisions at work

    “Many software developers prefer roles that give them a lot of autonomy over the way they code.”

17. 17

    headhunternoun/verb/ˈhɛdˌhʌntə/

    a recruiter paid to find suitable people for senior or specialist jobs

    “A headhunter contacted me about a senior marketing role last week.”

18. 18

    tenurenoun/ˈtɛn.jə/

    the period someone holds an important job, or the status of having a permanent post

    “After five years on the faculty he was granted tenure.”

19. 19

    gignoun/ɡɪɡ/

    a short-term job, often freelance or temporary

    “Many students pick up a few gigs to pay their rent.”

20. 20

    successionnoun/səkˈsɛʃən/

    the process or order in which one person replaces another in a job or position

    “The company has a clear succession plan for senior management.”