Vocabulary
Adverb
rɪˈməʊtli
from a distance
I've been working remotely for about 4 years now.
Noun
kət
a reduction in size, amount, etc.
I was asked to take a 20% pay cut.
Noun
ˈkælkjuleɪtər
something used for making mathematical calculations, especially a small electronic device
Will we be allowed to use a calculator in the exam?
Phrasal Verb
dɪˈpend ɒn
to be affected or influenced by something
We plan to go to the beach, but that will depend on if it rains or not.
Noun
əˈproʊtʃ
a way to do something
We need to take a new approach because everything else has failed.
Noun
dɪˈvərsɪtiː
the state of different people or things existing in a group or place
Our company is committed to promoting racial diversity.
Article
Google May Cut Pay of Some Remote Workers
Some Google employees who worked in offices before the coronavirus pandemic could have their pay cut if they choose to continue working from home, according to Reuters.
Screenshots sent to Reuters show a calculator that employees can use to see how much they will be paid if they continue to work remotely, with those living furthest from offices facing the biggest cuts.
The calculator showed that an employee at the company's New York office living in Stamford, Connecticut, which is one hour from New York City by train, would be paid 15% less if they chose to work from home.
However, the change won't affect those who live nearby, so an employee from the New York office living in the city would not be paid less if they worked remotely.
Remote working has been common in the tech industry for years, even before the pandemic, and Google says it has always paid people differently depending on where they work.
It also isn't the only company to do so. GitLab has paid its over 1,300 all-remote employees based on their location for years. Other companies, like Facebook, Microsoft and Twitter have already said they will cut the pay of employees working from home in less expensive areas.
However, some tech companies are taking the opposite approach. Reddit and Zillow plan to pay their employees the same amount no matter where they work, saying it improves diversity. It might also help them find and keep good employees.
Questions
1. Will Google employees who live near the office they work for face pay cuts if they work remotely?
2. How many remote workers does GitLab have?
3. What other companies are planning to cut the pay of remote employees living in less expensive areas?
Discussion
1. What are your thoughts on Google's plans to cut some remote workers' pay?
2. Would you be willing to take a pay cut to be able to work remotely?
3. Do you think paying employees based on their location is a good idea?
4. Do you know anyone who worked remotely before the pandemic?
5. Would you rather work for Google, Facebook, Microsoft, or Twitter? Why?
Further Discussion
1. How long does your commute usually take?
2. Do any of your colleagues live a long way from your workplace?
3. Do you know anyone who works in the tech industry?
4. Was it common for people in your industry to work from home before the pandemic?
5. Do you think more people will work remotely in the near future?
