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Intermediate Business Reading

Short Texts: Calendars Schedules

Read the short texts and choose the best answer for each question.

1.

Announcement: Office Closure for Public Holiday

Dear Employees, Please note that the office will be closed on Monday, 29th August, for the national holiday. Normal working hours will resume on Tuesday, 30th August. If you have any urgent tasks, please make sure they are completed by Friday, 26th August. We wish you all a restful holiday and look forward to seeing you after the break.

What does this announcement reveal about the company's approach to deadline management?

  1. They plan ahead to prevent disruption to business operations.
  2. They expect staff to work extra hours before holidays.
  3. They prioritise urgent tasks over regular work.

2.

Announcement: New Employee Benefits

We are excited to announce a new range of employee benefits that will come into effect on 1st September. These include an expanded health insurance plan, increased pension contributions, and additional paid leave. More details will be shared during the HR briefing next week. We encourage all staff to attend to learn more about these updates.

What is NOT one of the employee benefits mentioned?

  1. More holiday days.
  2. Retirement benefits.
  3. Better salary.

3.

Announcement: New Security Procedures

Dear Staff, Please be informed that starting next month, the company will implement new security procedures. All employees will be required to use their ID cards to enter the building and access restricted areas. Please ensure your ID card is updated and working properly before the new system goes live on 10th October. If you need a replacement card, contact HR as soon as possible.

What operational changes will the new system bring to workplace access?

  1. A reduction in workplace security personnel.
  2. A more structured approach to managing facility access and security.
  3. An increase in visitor access to office areas.

4.

Announcement: Company Event

Dear Team, We are excited to announce that the annual company event will be held on Friday, 12th November, at the Grand Hotel. The event will include a formal dinner, entertainment, and an awards ceremony. Invitations will be sent out later this week. We hope you can all join us for what promises to be a fantastic evening!

How does this event reflect the company's approach to workplace culture?

  1. By providing mandatory social activities.
  2. By formally celebrating achievements and fostering team relationships.
  3. By promoting competition between departments.

5.

Announcement: Annual Employee Survey

The annual employee survey will be available online starting Monday, 5th December, and will remain open until Friday, 9th December. We highly encourage all employees to participate, as your feedback is crucial in helping us improve the workplace. All responses are anonymous, and the results will be shared in the January company meeting.

What aspects of the survey design encourage honest employee feedback?

  1. The short time frame for completion.
  2. The online format of the survey.
  3. The guarantee of anonymity and commitment to sharing results.

6.

Announcement: Office Renovation

Dear Staff, Please be advised that the office will undergo renovations starting Monday, 20th November. During this period, some sections of the building will be closed, and temporary workspaces will be available on the ground floor. The renovation is expected to be completed by Friday, 15th December. We appreciate your cooperation during this time.

How might the office renovation affect employees during the renovation period?

  1. They will not have access to areas they can usually enter.
  2. They will be encouraged to work remotely to ease pressure on the office.
  3. There will be more noise in the office.

7.

Announcement: Office Recycling Programme

We are pleased to announce that the company is launching a new office recycling programme starting next week. There will be recycling bins for paper, plastic, and electronics in each department. We encourage everyone to make use of these bins and help reduce waste. Last year, we threw out nearly two tons of paper! More information on how to recycle properly will be provided in the next team meeting.

What does the introduction of the office recycling programme indicate about the company's initiatives?

  1. The company is hoping to save money.
  2. The company is committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
  3. The company is shifting to a more digital presence.

8.

Announcement: Training Sessions

Dear Employees, The next round of training sessions will begin on Monday, 14th February. These sessions are designed to help staff improve their skills in areas such as project management, client relations, and digital marketing. Please sign up by contacting the HR department. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your place.

What strategy is reflected in the company's training programme?

  1. Developing a more versatile and skilled workforce.
  2. Preparing for departmental restructuring.
  3. Moving towards automated business processes.

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