Zhang: And especially the policies in relation to the overtime and paid holidays.
Wang: That's right.Language Audit
Zhang: You know we are going to make a survey of all our staff members in terms of their foreign language skills..
Wang: Good idea. This will be beneficial to both the management and the staff members themselves.
Zhang: Yes, that makes sense. But how can we convince the staff members that the survey would be beneficial to them?
Wang: I don't think it's difficult. Just let them know that we are running a series of training classes for them. A survey of their skills in foreign language will help us place them in a class appropriate for them.
Zhang: And I think that we should also get across to them that we are thinking of assigning some sales reps to the States. Those whose English is better than the others have a better chance to be chosen.
Wang: I think that will be convincing enough. And we've actually touched upon the question of how to put into use the survey results.
Zhang: Yeah. And I think there's more uses that we can put the results into. For example, some of our staff members have been complaining about our foreign language textbook being too difficult. This way, we shall be able to compile books appropriate for them.
Wang: Good. And it also helps us in placing our staff members. You know, some of the positions need people with better foreign language skills than others.
Zhang: Yes, indeed.
Job sharing
Wang: You know our company is considering a job sharing system.
Zhang: Yeah, a system that allows some jobs to be shared by two staff members.
Wang: So if we introduce this scheme, which types of job do you think it would be suitable for?
Zhang: Not many, I am afraid. Obviously most of the managers cannot work on a job-sharing basis.
Wang: That makes sense. It would be difficult to split a managerial task between two managers.
Zhang: But I think this scheme would be perfectly suitable for some clerical work. For example, two clerks can share a typing task.
Wang: Then what kind of people do you think would be most suited to sharing jobs?
Zhang: Mostly working mothers, who need to take care of their babies while working with a company.
Wang: And also employees who hope to pursue a higher degree.
Zhang: Yeah, they can share a job with a colleague so that they can afford some time to attend lectures in colleges or universities.
Wang: Anyway, do you think this scheme should be introduced in our company?
Zhang: Well, there are quite a lot of young people in our company, who're thinking of a higher degree, an MBA or something. If they are allowed to share their jobs with others, they can have more flexibility in arranging their time schedule.
Wang: And there they'll have more chances to get a higher degree.
Zhang: Right.Foreign Trade Mission
Zhang: You know a foreign trade mission from the USA is coming to visit our country early next month.
Wang: Yeah. I was told that one week ago. And we are supposed to give a talk to them about our company.
Zhang: What do you think should be included in the talk? |
