Work & Business English

If your students often ask, “How do I say this at work?”—this category is your answer. The topics fit seamlessly into business English intermediate teaching without being overly corporate. You’ll find ESL business English activities that focus on teamwork, planning, and everyday decisions. It’s practical, fresh, and surprisingly fun.

Bullshit Jobs C1 ESL Lesson Plan Cover Image

Bullshit Jobs

If your students already think most work is pointless, this C1 bullshit jobs lesson plan will give them the vocabulary and framework to prove it.

A woman hiding behind a book, representing the need to switch off from work in a B2 English lesson plan about work-life balance

Work-life Balance

"It's your problem to figure out." That one quote opens this B2 business English lesson and gets students arguing about work-life balance immediately.

Young professionals collaborating at work - jobs A2 lesson plan cover image showing first workplace experiences and teamwork.

My First Job

Learn to describe first job experiences with A2 vocabulary for work schedules, customer service, and workplace feelings through real stories.

Group of Gen Alpha kids relaxing together outdoors with skateboards, smiling and enjoying the sun — friendly and playful vibe suitable for a Dream Job lesson plan theme.

Gen Alpha: Redefining Dream Jobs

Students analyze why Gen Alpha chooses creative careers over traditional paths in this B2 lesson plan featuring rankings, vocabulary, and comparison tasks.

A yellow DHL delivery van parked on a quiet street in a residential area. The image represents Marcelo, a delivery driver from the Undercover Boss video, who works hard abroad to support his family. It connects to the lesson topic of “undercover work” and the challenges faced by people working far from home.

Undercover Work

Watch a delivery driver's story unfold on Undercover Boss and debate job security, immigration, and family duty in this meaningful B1 lesson plan.

side hustles esl lesson

Side Hustle Ideas for Students

Three students share their side hustles in these B1 audio clips. Learn job vocabulary and discuss earning money while studying.

quiet cracking esl lesson b2 work

Quiet Cracking

Workers stay trapped in bad jobs despite fatigue and feeling unheard. This B2 lesson covers quiet cracking symptoms and declining satisfaction.

leadership esl lesson plan b2

What Makes a Great Leader?

Simon Sinek says courage needs a safety net, not inner strength. This B2 leadership lesson covers vision, integrity, and speaking truth to power.

office, work, esl lesson plan, intermediate, betterclass

Inside a Modern Office

Tour a TikTok office, discuss open spaces and collaboration, then describe your ideal workplace in this B1 lesson on modern office vocabulary.

polyworking esl lesson b2

Polyworking

B2 business English lesson on polyworking and multiple jobs. Includes article about side gigs, financial stress, and vocab for careers and income sources.

Freelancing

This B2 lesson explores freelancing, covering myths, career-building steps, financial stability, and job security, with listening and debate activities.

networking lesson esl

Networking

Professional networking in English with this B2 lesson plan. Covers elevator pitches, follow-up strategies, useful phrases, and role-play scenarios.

micromanagement esl lesson b2

10 Signs You’re Being Micromanaged

Is your boss a micromanager? This B2 business English lesson plan covers 10 signs of micromanagement with vocab, a video, and hilarious role plays.

unwritten work office rules esl

Unwritten Work Rules

What are the unwritten rules at work? This B2 business English lesson plan covers workplace etiquette through listening, vocabulary, and discussion.

highly sensitive people lesson

Highly Sensitive People at Work

Sensitivity at work, a strength or a weakness? This B2 lesson plan on highly sensitive people covers vocabulary, video, and role plays.

corporate culture esl lesson

Building a Positive Corporate Culture

What can your B2 students learn from Netflix's CEO about corporate culture? A business English lesson on policies, candor, and leadership.

esl lesson about pitching

How to Pitch an Idea

Teach your B2 students how to pitch an idea with this business English lesson on elevator pitches, persuasion, and public speaking.

jobs esl lesson a2

People & Their Jobs

Twelve jobs, charades, and a mock interview all in one A2 lesson. A fun way to teach job vocabulary your students will actually remember.

workaholism esl lesson b2

Fighting Workaholism

Is your job your whole identity? B2 students tackle workaholism, success addiction, and work-life balance in this business English lesson.

esl lesson public speaking pausing

The Power of Pausing

Ever noticed how a well-timed pause changes everything? This B2 public speaking lesson teaches students the power of pausing.

making a speech esl

How to Crush Your Next Speech

B2 lesson on public speaking skills. Learn presentation vocabulary, read speech tips article, practice impromptu talks, overcome stage fright.