NeuroEnglish for You!: 32. PAGS 2026 LISTENING PRACTICE: MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

18 mar 2026

32. PAGS 2026 LISTENING PRACTICE: MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

100% FREE · PAGS 2026 · B2 LISTENING

NEUROENGLISH FOR YOU! · @NeuroEnglishMMP

Mental Health in the Workplace

Connect with work. Reconnect with life.

Can you switch off when the working day ends? Explore digital boundaries, supportive leadership and wellbeing through English.

Your listening roadmap

01 Activate vocabulary → 02 Listen for the main idea → 03 Listen for details → 04 Answer four questions → 05 Reflect.

1. Prime your vocabulary

Read the six key terms first. Predict how messages, working hours and wellbeing might be connected.

2. Listen in two passes

First, identify the main problem. Then listen again for causes, examples and possible responses.

3. Retrieve, then check

Answer before opening the transcript. Use a short phrase from the passage to justify each choice.

Key Glossary (Input Priming)

Vanished

Disappeared suddenly and completely.

Desvanecido / Desaparecido

Exhaustion

State of extreme physical/mental tiredness.

Agotamiento / Extenuación

Boundaries

Limits or lines that separate things.

Límites / Fronteras

Penalized

Subjected to a penalty or punishment.

Penalizado / Castigado

Mindful

Conscious or aware of something.

Consciente / Atento

Detox

Here: a planned break from digital devices.

Desintoxicación

Listen: the always-on workplace

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Open transcript · hover or tap underlined words for Spanish

"For some employees, the traditional boundaries between professional and private life seem to have vanished as remote and hybrid work expand. While flexibility is a significant benefit, it can also contribute to "digital exhaustion" and the "always-on" culture. Employees often feel pressured to respond to emails and messages at all hours, which can contribute to burnout and anxiety. In response, some European countries recognise the "Right to Disconnect," a legal framework designed to protect workers from being penalized for not answering communications outside of their official working hours.

Maintaining mental well-being in a digital environment requires more than just legislation; it demands a cultural shift within companies. "Mindful leadership" and the provision of mental health resources can help create healthier working environments. For the next generation of workers, setting healthy boundaries and practicing "digital detox" sessions can support long-term career sustainability. The goal is to ensure that technology remains a tool for productivity rather than a source of constant psychological stress."

Context check: Workload, working hours, control over work and support from colleagues all matter. Personal screen breaks complement organisational action; they do not replace it. In Spain, Article 88 recognises digital disconnection outside working time; its practical arrangements depend on the employment context and relevant agreements.

Listening challenge · four questions

Choose one answer per question. Each first attempt counts towards your score. You can listen to every question and its four options.

0 / 4 answered · 0 / 4 correct

1. What is the main negative consequence of the "always-on" culture?

2. How does the "Right to Disconnect" protect employees?

3. What is an essential skill for future workers mentioned in the text?

4. What does "mindful leadership" aim to achieve within companies?

Answer key and evidence

1 B — burnout and anxiety. 2 B — protection around after-hours messages. 3 C — boundaries and digital breaks. 4 C — wellbeing and healthier work habits.

Your turn: agree a healthier working day

Speak for 45–60 seconds: suggest two changes a fictional team could make to reduce pressure from after-hours messages. Include one organisational change and one personal boundary. Use although, therefore and so that.

Retrieval tip: Close the transcript and explain boundaries, exhaustion and penalized in your own words. Then revisit the passage tomorrow.

Workplace English: polite boundaries

“I will respond during my next working day.”
“Could we agree on response times for non-urgent messages?”
“Let’s review the workload and clarify priorities.”