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Click one for hint, twice for full word
run smoothly
Meaning: To operate efficiently without problems.
Example: Loyal staff help hotels run smoothly.
time-consuming
Meaning: Taking a lot of time to complete.
Example: Constantly recruiting new staff is very time‑consuming.
step in
Meaning: To help out when needed.
Example: Staff treated fairly are more willing to step in when needed.
go really well
Meaning: To be very successful.
Example: The customer loyalty scheme is going really well.
pick up
Meaning: To notice or identify something.
Example: Feedback picked up that staff felt undervalued.
staff turnover
IPA (UK): /ˌstɑːf ˈtɜː.nəʊ.vər/
IPA (US): /ˌstæf ˈtɝː.noʊ.vɚ/
Meaning: The rate at which employees leave and are replaced.
Meaning: The rate at which employees leave and are replaced.
Example: High staff turnover creates major operational problems.
preferential treatment
IPA (UK): /ˌpref.ərˈen.ʃəl ˈtriːt.mənt/
IPA (US): /ˌpref.əˈren.ʃəl ˈtriːt.mənt/
Meaning: Giving unfair advantages to certain people.
Meaning: Giving unfair advantages to certain people.
Example: Managers must avoid giving staff preferential treatment.
retention
IPA (UK): /rɪˈten.ʃən/
IPA (US): /rɪˈten.ʃən/
Meaning: The ability to keep employees in an organisation.
Meaning: The ability to keep employees in an organisation.
Example: The Portland invested in staff retention programmes.
high achiever
IPA (UK): /ˌhaɪ əˈtʃiː.vər/
IPA (US): /ˌhaɪ əˈtʃiː.vɚ/
Meaning: An employee who performs exceptionally well.
Meaning: An employee who performs exceptionally well.
Example: Bluewater rewards high achievers with annual trips abroad.
supportive environment
IPA (UK): /səˈpɔː.tɪv ɪnˈvaɪ.rən.mənt/
IPA (US): /səˈpɔːr.t̬ɪv ɪnˈvaɪ.rən.mənt/
Meaning: A workplace where staff feel encouraged and valued.
Meaning: A workplace where staff feel encouraged and valued.
Example: Amesbury’s manager created a highly supportive environment.
Other Listening Exercises
Cambridge 17 Listening Test 4 - Section 2
In progressC1 · 6:17