Office Kitchen or Standing Desks

The task

Your employer has set aside $20,000 to improve the workplace this year. Management is asking all staff to vote on how the money should be spent. Choose the option you prefer and explain the reasons for your choice. Write about 150-200 words. Option A: Renovate the staff kitchen with new appliances, more seating and a larger fridge. Option B: Buy adjustable standing desks and better chairs for every employee.

• Choose Option A or Option B.
• Explain the reasons for your choice with details and examples.

Length

150–200 words

Time

26 minutes

Question

4 of 15

I would vote for Option B, because adjustable desks and better chairs would improve something we use for eight hours every single day. My first reason is health. Most of us sit in front of a screen from nine to five, and our current chairs are more than ten years old. Several of my colleagues have mentioned back or neck pain, and one of them recently took two weeks of sick leave because of a shoulder injury. Being able to stand for part of the afternoon, and to sit properly the rest of the time, could prevent these problems before they start. My second reason is fairness. A kitchen renovation would mostly help people who eat lunch at the office, but many staff go out or work through their break. Ergonomic furniture, on the other hand, would benefit every employee equally, including part-time workers. I agree that our kitchen is crowded and that the fridge is often full. Nevertheless, these are inconveniences, while poor posture can lead to long-term injuries. In the end, Option B is an investment in staff well-being that would also reduce absences, which benefits the whole company.

Why this answer works

• The colleague's two weeks of sick leave supports the health argument with a precise detail.
• The fairness reason shows a different angle, comparing who would benefit from each option.
• The conclusion widens the benefit to the company, giving the answer a strong and logical ending.