English Rewind - 6 Minute English: Formality at work

Summary

The 6 Minute English episode from June 2009 explores the topic of formality in the workplace. Hosts Jackie Dalton and Neil Edgeller discuss the evolution of workplace dress codes and interaction styles, contrasting the relaxed, first-name basis culture of the BBC World Service with the more formal past where employees had to ask permission for basic needs like using the restroom. The episode also delves into the history of dress codes, including the surprising fact that 85% of British workers prefer a precise dress code, and the introduction of 'dress-down Fridays' in some workplaces.

Takeaways

• 📅 The script is from a June 2009 broadcast on the BBC Learning English website.
• 👋 Introductions are informal in the script, reflecting the workplace culture discussed.
• 👔 The main topic is formality and its absence in the workplace, including dress codes and interaction styles.
• 👗 A dress code is defined as rules dictating what to wear in certain situations.
• 📊 A survey in Britain revealed that 85% of people prefer having a precise dress code at work.
• 🤵 The BBC World Service is described as serious but not formal, with casual dress and first-name terms.
• 🕺 Historically, the BBC had stricter formality, including mandatory suits and titles for superiors.
• 🚻 There were instances of extreme formality, such as staff needing permission to use the restroom.
• 🎤 Newsreaders at the BBC used to wear dinner jackets, even when only on radio.
• 👕 'Dress-down Fridays' became a trend in Britain where casual attire was allowed on Fridays.
• 📚 The script provides a vocabulary lesson on terms like 'casual', 'formal', 'first-name terms', 'dress codes', 'dinner jacket', and 'to ask permission'.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the 6 Minute English programme discussed in the transcript?

The main topic of the 6 Minute English programme is formality, or the lack of formality, at work.

How does Jackie usually address Neil in the office?

Jackie usually addresses Neil by his first name because they are colleagues and their office interaction is informal.

What does a 'dress code' refer to in the context of the transcript?

A 'dress code' refers to the rules for what you should wear in a certain situation, such as a 'no jeans' policy in a restaurant.

What was the question Jackie asked Neil about British work dress codes?

Jackie asked Neil to guess what percentage of people in Britain said they would prefer to be given a precise dress code at work.

What was Neil's guess regarding the percentage of people preferring a precise dress code?

Neil guessed that 5% of people would prefer to be told what kind of clothes they should wear at work.

How does the BBC World Service environment compare to a formal workplace according to the transcript?

The BBC World Service is described as a serious place but not formal, where people wear what they want and are on first-name terms.

What was the formality like when Carrie first joined the BBC?

When Carrie first joined the BBC, the environment was more formal; her boss wore a suit and tie every day, and she had to address him as 'Mr Bowman'.

What was the strict rule that Carrie had to follow in a different department at the BBC?

In a different department, Carrie had to ask permission to go to the toilet, and her time was sometimes timed by the department head.

What did newsreaders at the BBC traditionally have to wear while presenting, even on radio?

Newsreaders at the BBC traditionally had to wear dinner jackets, a very formal style of suit, even when presenting on radio.

What is the concept of 'dress-down Fridays' introduced in some workplaces in Britain?

'Dress-down Fridays' is a concept where employees wear smart clothes during the week and can come in more casual attire, like jeans and T-shirts, on Fridays.

What was the actual percentage of people in Britain who prefer a precise dress code, according to the survey mentioned in the transcript?

The actual percentage of people in Britain who prefer a precise dress code is 85%, which was revealed to be surprising to the hosts.

What does Neil's comment about his current attire suggest about his preference for the workplace environment?

Neil's comment that he is wearing what he wore in bed suggests that he prefers a very informal and relaxed workplace environment.