Learning English For Work Office English: Rules
Feb 23, 2026
Discussion about different kinds of workplace rules and how companies vary in strictness. Exploration of language used to describe hybrid work expectations. Tips for spotting how serious a rule is from intonation, context and who speaks. Look at phrases that signal strictness around expenses, approvals and confidentiality.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Non Negotiables Versus Flexible Rules
- Workplaces have different rule types ranging from strict non-negotiables to flexible practices.
- Phil defines non-negotiable as a rule you cannot argue with or negotiate around, you just have to do it.
Phrase Choices Reveal Hybrid Work Rules
- Use language clues to communicate whether hybrid-working expectations are firm or flexible.
- Phrases like there's a requirement, they ask us to, we're supposed to, and we would normally expect signal different degrees of obligation.
Listen And Observe To Judge Rule Firmness
- Check intonation, company culture, who is speaking and what people actually do to judge rule firmness.
- Phil advises listening and observing to tell whether a 'rule' is strictly enforced or just on-paper.