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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. recognition
    • ex. John received recognition as the best employee because of his hard work.
  2. consistent
    • ex. Consistent practice helped Ben learn to play the piano well.
  3. exceptional
    • ex. The movie had exceptional actors who played their roles perfectly.
  4. state-of-the-art
    • ex. The hospital has state-of-the-art machines to help doctors care for patients better.
  5. a sabbatical
    • ex. Teachers can take sabbaticals to study or rest for a few months.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Sports company PUMA received the Top Employer recognition worldwide and in 50 countries for 2025. The recognition shows the company’s effort to provide consistent and exceptional experience to its employees everywhere. This is the sixth time the Top Employers Institute has given this recognition to PUMA since 2020.

The Top Employer recognition comes from a survey about how companies treat their employees. The survey asks about different areas, like work environment, learning, diversity, and employee health and well-being. PUMA is known for providing state-of-the-art offices to its employees. But more than that, the company also aims to create a workplace that respects diversity, promotes health, and helps employees grow.

Additionally, PUMA provides its employees with free gym access and sports activities. It also has health programs that offer free health checks and courses to support a healthy lifestyle. The company supports its employees’ career growth by offering training and hiring them for leadership positions. PUMA helps employees have a work-life balance by allowing different work hours and hybrid working. Employees can also choose part-time work or take sabbaticals anytime in their careers.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Top Employer

  • Imagine you were to give a Top Employer recognition. What things would you check before choosing the winner? Discuss.
  • One of PUMA’s positive qualities is supporting its employees’ career growth. Why do you think employee growth and development opportunities are important for a top employer? Discuss.
  • What companies in your country do people want to work for the most after they graduate? Discuss.

Positive Workplace

  • Imagine you could design a perfect workplace. What would it look like (ex. it has a gym, it has modern computers)? Discuss.
  • Which do you think is more important for creating a positive workplace: a supportive team or workplace benefits, like health activities and good offices? Why? Discuss.
  • Do you think workplaces in your country generally have a positive environment for employees? Why or why not? Discuss.