BP B2 BW 1

What kind of company is Schokoschatz?

30 sec audio

Answer explanation

Schokoschatz is a chocolate-maker.

What problems did they have when they started out?

30 sec audio

Answer explanation

They had a lot of competition from large companies in the market.

What makes them different from other companies in the field?

30 sec audio

Answer explanation

They produce organic and fair-trade chocolate with cocoa beans from Peru and have innovative ideas for their products.

Why are some Schokoschatz employees unhappy?

30 sec audio

Answer explanation

Some employees feel they can't make a career in the company.

You are going to hear two managers from Shokoschatz talking about problems they are having. Based on the background, what difficulties might they have with finding new staff and keeping the staff they have?

Answer explanation

Some employees might leave if they see that it is always family members that get the top jobs and promotions. This reputation could also put people off joining the company and they might prefer to go to bigger competitors.

Listen to the conversation and answer the questions.

1. Which specific problems does Johannes have regarding staff?

2. What does Martina say about candidates she interviews?

3. What suggestions does Martina have?

4. What suggestions does Johannes have?

5. What do they decide to do next?

Answer explanation

1. Which specific problems does Johannes have regarding staff?

- Johannes has problems finding staff to fill empty positions and is concerned about keeping the people he has. Emma is leaving, which is a big problem.

2. What does Martina say about candidates she interviews?

- Martina says that people are not enthusiastic about working for them.

3. What suggestions does Martina have?

- Martina suggests making sure the atmosphere in the departments is positive and supportive and being transparent about decisions when it is possible.

4. What suggestions does Johannes have?

- Johannes suggests setting up a system to make sure all employees feel respected and are told when they do a good job. They also need to stress the work–life balance they can offer.

5. What do they decide to do next?

They decide to chat with people in their departments to get ideas and meet again to discuss them.

Think of some reasons staff might give for being unhappy at Shokoschatz. Think about hours, pay, benefits, training and team spirit.

Listen to two conversations.

First, Johannes talks to Tomasz, a sales representative, and Carolina, an assistant sales manager. Then Martina talks to Sirina, a finance assistant, and Andy, an accountant.

Do they mention any of the problems you predicted in Exercise 4?

Discussing the problem

Listen again and match the speakers (Tomasz, Carolina, Sirina and Andy) to the problems they identify.

1. No discounts for free-time activities: ​ (a)  

2. No flexible working hours for some workers: ​ (b)  

3. Little chance for a career: ​ (c)  

4. Low salary: ​ (d)  

• Andy
• Tomasz
• Carolina
• Sirina

Discussing the problem

Listen again and match the speakers (Tomasz, Carolina, Sirina and Andy) to the problems they identify.

5. Insufficient or no performance-based pay: ​ (a)  

6. Problems with training programme: ​ (b)  

7. Strict dress code: ​ (c)  

8. Not enough positive cooperation between departments: ​ (d)  

• Sirina
• Carolina
• Tomasz
• Andy