BOX SET: 6 Minute English - 'Business & Work' English mega-class! 30 minutes of new vocabulary!

Georgina and Neil discuss flexible working, moving beyond the traditional 9-to-5 office routine. They highlight that flexible working isn't merely remote work but involves common sense and agreement between employee and manager regarding when, where, and how long one works. In the UK, employees have had the right to request flexible working for 14 years, a right extended to all since 2014, not just parents. However, a bias still exists, with men's requests more likely to be rejected, hindering active fatherhood and workplace equality.

Rob and Sam explore why millennials are increasingly drawn to entrepreneurship. They discuss how platforms, crowdfunding, and reduced start-up costs facilitate new businesses. Many millennial entrepreneurs are motivated not just by profit but also by social responsibility. However, former World Bank economist Charles Kenny argues that significant positive changes often stem from governments rather than individual businesses, advocating for collective effort to improve quality of life.

Neil and Sam delve into the burgeoning world of eSports, competitive video gaming. They note its immense growth, with professional players earning substantial salaries and attendance at events reaching tens of thousands. eSports are even slated for inclusion in the 2022 Asian Games. Gabriël Rau, a pro-eSportsman, believes it will become a 'staple' akin to traditional sports, though he stresses the need for discipline, especially for children, due to its time-consuming nature. The sector also offers career paths beyond playing, such as event management.

Neil and Georgina examine the driving forces behind Amazon's monumental success and its founder, Jeff Bezos. Key qualities include invention, risk-taking, and a long-term vision. Retail analyst Natalie Berg credits Amazon's customer-centric strategy, placing customers at the business's heart to enhance their experience and drive traffic. Bezos's ventures expanded beyond retail, including The Washington Post and space exploration with Blue Origin. More recently, he has focused on environmental initiatives, aiming for a positive legacy on climate change, though the distinction between genuine action and 'greenwashing' is discussed.

Neil and Rob discuss the growing trend of 'side hustles'—second jobs often pursued out of passion or necessity. While some use them to 'make ends meet', many seek to apply their skills and interests for extra income. Henley Business School research indicates that one in four workers have a side hustle, with younger generations being most involved. The programme highlights how a side hustle can evolve into a full-time career, offering flexibility and creative balance, despite the hard work and 'grind' involved.