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May 1st • labour & Society

May Day (labour Day)

A day to celebrate the struggles and achievements of workers worldwide. From the fight for the 8-hour workday in the 19th century to modern debates about the 4-day work week and the impact of AI on manual labour, work remains at the centre of human identity.

Workers or symbolic tools

Speaking Discussion

  • Why is May Day celebrated in so many different ways around the world?
  • Do you think the "8-hour workday" is still a relevant concept in our digital, 24/7 world?
  • "We live to work, we don't work to live." How true is this for you?
  • Should governments introduce a mandatory 4-day work week to improve mental health?
  • Who do you think has a harder job: someone who works with their hands or someone who works in an office?
  • As AI becomes more advanced, which jobs do you think will disappear first?

Activity 1: The Work-Life Negotiator

The Task: You are an employee who wants to transition to a 4-day work week, but your boss is worried about productivity.

Prepare 3 strong arguments to convince your boss that you will get *more* done in less time. in your pitch.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The most rewarding thing about my job is..."
  • "If I never had to work again, I would spend my time..."
  • "Success at work is 20% talent and 80%..."