Should companies let employees work from home? Or should employers make workers spend their entire work day in the office?
This has been a major discussion in the business world since the Covid pandemic changed the way we work. There are arguments on both sides of the debate. These arguments centre on whether it is better to control workers or give them freedom,
Today I want to talk about this debate in more detail, while introducing some important grammar. In order to talk about this topic, we need to understand and know how to use causative grammar.
In this episode, we will focus on the causative “make” and “let”, while in Friday’s bonus episode we will discuss “have” and “get”.
Let’s practise this grammar and discuss remote work and company policies in this episode of Thinking in English Grammar!
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Grammar Lesson
Causative verbs are used when one person causes another person to do something. In English, we often use “make”, “let”, “have“, and “get” for this purpose.
Today we will be focusing on “make” and “let”.
Causative Verb: Make
“Make” is used when someone is forced or required to do [00:02:00] something. This means they have no choice in the action.
Here is this grammar’s structure:
Make + Object (usually a person) + Base Verb.
The base verb is the verb in its simplest form without “to”.
Here are some examples of sentences using this form of causative grammar.
“My boss made me work late.”
- I didn’t want to, but my boss forced me to work late.
“His parents made him apologize.”
- He didn’t want to, but they forced him to apologize.
“The teacher made the students rewrite the essay.”
- The teacher required them to do it again.
We can also use make in a negative sentence to state that you are not [00:03:00] forced to do something.
“My parents didn’t make me clean my room.”
- They didn’t force me to clean it.
And we often use this in the passive voice as well.
“I was made to apologize.”
- In passive voice we add “to” before the verb.
Causative Verb: Let
“Let” is used when someone gives permission for another person to do something. This means they allow them to do it.
We form this grammar:
Let + Object (a person) + Base Verb.
Here are some more examples of sentences using this form of causative grammar.
“My parents let me stay out late.”
- They gave me permission to stay out.
“She let her brother borrow her car.”
- She allowed him to take [00:04:00] her car.
“The teacher let the students leave early.”
- The teacher permitted them to go home early.
We can also use this in the negative form to say that you weren’t allowed to do something or you weren’t given permission to do something.
“They didn’t let me watch tv.”
- They didn’t give me permission.
Make vs Let
While “make” and “let” can both be used in causative grammar. They cause someone to do something. They are very different.
When we use “make”, it means the person or object has no choice. They were forced. And when we use “let”, it means they have free choice. They are allowed to do something.
Should Companies Let Employees Work from Home?
Many companies let employees work from home at least part of the time. Remote work has become a common [00:05:00] practice, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to adopt flexible policies.
While some companies make employees come to the office every day, others let them choose where they work.
The decision to allow remote work depends on productivity, company culture and employee satisfaction.
RTO or return to office policies have become increasingly common and the chances of finding a fully remote job are now quite low for most normal workers.
Let’s take a look at why some companies are letting employees have more freedom while other companies are making employees work in traditional ways.
During covid, the governments in many countries made companies adjust their work policies. [00:06:00] If possible, companies were made to limit in-person meetings and time spent in offices. This was to protect health.
During this time, a lot of people got used to working from home and enjoyed the better work life balance.
Even after the pandemic restrictions were lifted, many organizations let their workers stay home for a few days each week to improve work life balance. Studies show that flexibility can make employees feel more valued and motivated.
When companies let people manage their own schedules, they often become more productive.
Furthermore, remote work reduces commuting time. Some companies make their employees spend hours in traffic every day leading to stress and fatigue.
Earlier this year, there was record breaking snowfall [00:07:00] here in Japan. While many companies let their employees avoid the commute to work, my wife was made to drive for over two hours to get to her office. She was exhausted every day.
In contrast, businesses that let employees avoid long commutes, often see happier and healthier workers.
Additionally, many companies let their staff save money by working from home. Employees no longer need to spend money on transport, lunches, or even office clothing. This financial relief makes remote working appealing to many professionals.
Despite the advantages, some companies make their employees come to the office even if it’s not really necessary.
In fact, I know a few people who were hired as remote or hybrid workers and then made to work [00:08:00] in the office at a later date.
Why are so many companies against remote work?
Well, one of the main concerns is the lack of opportunities for collaboration and communication when working remotely.
When companies make their employees come to the office, they can easily meet in person and discuss issues or brainstorm ideas spontaneously.
Also remote work can sometimes make communication less efficient. There are always technology problems, for example. It’s harder to communicate online, especially if you can’t see someone’s face. And sometimes time zones can be a big issue.
For example, I work with a freelance tutor who’s based in Europe. Peter, you might know him. And we rarely have real meetings due to the time differences. [00:09:00]
There are advantages to this as well. Peter runs conversation clubs for Patreon members while I’m sleeping. This lets members in Europe join when they have time.
I understand why many employers worry that remote work might make collaboration harder and reduce creativity. It can be difficult waiting for someone to reply to your message or your question in an office, you could just tap them on the shoulder.
In offices, spontaneous conversations make problem solving easier, while virtual meetings may not be as effective.
Security concerns are another issue. Some businesses have strict rules about data protection because remote work increases the risk of cyber threats.
Companies must make employees follow security protocols when working from home. For example, [00:10:00] using the correct networks or using the correct hardware, the correct laptops, the correct computers. Often it’s not worth the risk.
Employers would rather make employees work in the office than let them risk the company’s security at home
To address these concerns, some businesses let employees work remotely only on certain days. This is called hybrid working.
A hybrid work model makes it possible to combine the benefits of remote and in-office work. This system lets companies maintain strong team connections while still offering flexibility.
For example, a company may let employees stay at home twice a week, but make them attend the office meetings on other days.
This policy lets workers enjoy flexibility while ensuring [00:11:00] more productivity.
As the workplace evolves, companies must decide how much flexibility to offer.
Some businesses let employees work from home to boost job satisfaction while others make them work on site to maintain company culture.
I think a hybrid model is a good solution. A hybrid model lets organizations balance employee needs and business goals.
In fact, although I’m self-employed, I operate on a hybrid model. I make myself work in an office three days a week, and I let myself work at home two days a week. At home, I do my recording and in the office I do all my editing and writing.
Final Thought
So here is today’s final thought. Today I’ve introduced you all to causative [00:12:00] grammar, specifically “make” and “let”
“Make” is used when someone is forced or required to do something.
“Let“ is used when someone gives permission for another person to do something.
After explaining how to form and use this type of causative grammar, I tried to demonstrate the grammar for a discussion of remote work and return to office policies.
Now, you have listened to this episode and this grammar lesson. Let’s practice your English.
Why not answer the following questions in the comments on Spotify or on my blog or on YouTube? Use the grammar you’ve learned today.
Would you prefer a company that lets you work from home? Do you think businesses should make all employees work in the office?
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