IELTS Speaking Part 3: Work-Life Balance and the Four-Day Week

We've been talking about a busy period in your life.

我們剛剛談到你人生中一段很忙碌的時期。

Now I'd like to discuss some more general questions.

現在我想跟你討論一些比較廣泛的問題。

Sure, I'm ready.

好的，我準備好了。

Why do so many people struggle to balance work and life?

為什麼這麼多人很難在工作和生活之間取得平衡？

Mainly because work no longer stays in the office.

主要是因為工作已經不會只留在辦公室了。

Our phones keep us connected to our bosses around the clock.

手機讓我們整天都跟老闆綁在一起。

Even on holiday, people check their emails every morning.

就連放假，大家每天早上還是會收信。

Over time, that constant pressure leads to burnout.

久而久之，這種持續的壓力就會導致過勞。

Have you seen this happen to anyone you know?

你身邊有人發生過這種事嗎？

Yes, my older sister, unfortunately.

有，很遺憾，就是我姊姊。

She worked twelve-hour days at a law firm for years.

她在律師事務所一天工作十二個小時，做了好幾年。

Eventually, she became ill and had to take three months off.

最後她病倒了，只好請假三個月。

Some companies are now trying a four-day working week.

現在有些公司在試行一週上班四天。

Do you think that's a good idea?

你覺得這是個好主意嗎？

I think it's a brilliant idea!

我覺得這個主意超棒的！

Studies suggest people get just as much done in four days.

研究顯示，大家四天也能完成一樣多的工作。

And they come back on Monday rested and far more motivated.

而且他們週一回來時精神飽滿，也更有幹勁。

It sounds almost too good to be true.

聽起來好得有點不像真的。

Admittedly, it wouldn't work for every industry.

不可否認，這不是每個產業都行得通。

Hospitals and restaurants can't simply close for an extra day.

醫院和餐廳總不能說多休一天就多休一天。

So it would need careful planning, sector by sector.

所以需要依產業逐一仔細規劃。

Who is responsible for work-life balance, employers or individuals?

工作與生活的平衡，應該由雇主負責還是個人負責？

Both, but I'd argue employers carry more of the responsibility.

兩者都有，但我認為雇主的責任比較大。

Individuals can set boundaries, like switching off notifications at night.

個人可以設下界線，像是晚上把通知關掉。

But if the company culture rewards overtime, that's very difficult!

但如果公司文化獎勵加班，那就很難了！

My sister's new employer bans emails after six, and she's thriving.

我姊姊的新公司禁止六點以後寄信，她現在過得很好。

Thank you. That's the end of the speaking test.

謝謝。口說測驗到這裡結束。

Oh, really? That flew by!

咦，真的嗎？時間過得好快！

It did. Good luck with your results.

是啊。祝你有好成績。

Thanks so much! Have a lovely afternoon.

非常謝謝您！祝您下午愉快。