Speaking practice: answer out loud for one minute
Do you think you have a healthy work-life balance?
1:00
12 conversation questions about work-life balance
- 1Do you think you have a healthy work-life balance?
- 2What usually gets in the way of your free time?
- 3Should employers be allowed to contact staff after work hours?
- 4Is a four-day working week a good idea?
- 5How do you switch off after a long day?
- 6Is it possible to love your job too much?
- 7How does work culture in your country compare with other countries?
- 8Have you ever experienced burnout, or seen it in someone else?
- 9Would you take a lower salary for more free time?
- 10What role should managers play in protecting their team's wellbeing?
- 11Do younger generations value free time more than older ones?
- 12What would your ideal working week look like?
Useful phrases
- For me, the key is...
- It's all about setting boundaries.
- I'd argue that...
- There's a growing trend towards...
- That said, ...
- I'd be willing to... if...
- It depends to a large extent on...
- Ideally, I'd...
Key vocabulary
- burnout
- extreme tiredness caused by too much work or stress
- switch off
- stop thinking about work and relax
- boundaries
- limits you set to protect your time or energy
- wellbeing
- the state of being healthy and happy
- overtime
- time worked beyond normal hours
- flexible hours
- being able to choose when you start and finish work
Sample answer
Do you think you have a healthy work-life balance?
Honestly, I'd say my work-life balance is better than it used to be, but it's not perfect. A couple of years ago I was answering emails at eleven at night, and I was constantly tired. Now I've set some clear boundaries: I don't check work messages after seven, and I keep Sundays completely free. It's made a huge difference to my energy and my relationships.
Practise "Work-life balance" with a real partner
Questions are easier to remember once you've answered them out loud. Start a live 1-on-1 video call and use this topic to get the conversation going.
Practise this topic liveHow to practise this topic
- Answer each question in at least two or three sentences.
- Try to use two of the useful phrases and one new word in every answer.
- With a partner, ask a follow-up question like "Why?" or "Can you give an example?"
- Alone, record your one-minute answer and listen back for one thing to improve.