Welcome to the "Expressions at Work" podcast, where we explain common workplace phrases in the easiest way possible. We know that office talk can sometimes feel confusing. That's why we're here to help.
Each episode, we pick a popular work-related phrase and break it down. Ever been puzzled when someone said they want to "touch base" or "circle back"? We explain what these terms mean and how you can use them. Our explanations are simple, so anyone can understand, whether you're new to the office or have been working for years.
We also use real-world examples to show these phrases in action. This way, you can feel confident using them in your own work conversations. Plus, even if you're not working in an office, our podcast can help you understand these phrases when you hear them in movies, TV shows, or books.
By listening to our podcast, you'll be better prepared for work chats and meetings. No more feeling lost or unsure. With our help, you'll know exactly what's being said and how to respond.
So, if you want to understand office talk better and feel more confident in your work conversations, "Expressions at Work" is the podcast for you. Join us and become a pro at workplace communication.
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 02/09/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Discover shows related to Business English Expressions at Work, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
There is no related content for this show.
No links shared by this podcast
Episode 21: Expressions at Work #91 | The Employee Who Stopped Caring
Season 5 · Episode 21
Thursday, June 18, 2026 • Duration 02:29
Daniel used to be one of the most reliable people on the team.
Then something changed.
He stopped contributing in meetings, missed important details, and seemed to lose interest in the work he once enjoyed.
In this episode of Expressions at Work, we explore a situation that many managers and coworkers eventually face: what happens when a good employee suddenly disengages?
Along the way, you'll learn five useful Business English expressions:
• Check out
• Go through the motions
• Pick up the slack
• Phone it in
• Pull your weight
A realistic workplace story designed to help you improve your Business English naturally through listening.
#BusinessEnglish #EnglishPodcast #LearnEnglish #WorkplaceEnglish #ProfessionalEnglish #EnglishListening #BusinessCommunication #ESL #ExpressionsAtWork #AdvancedEnglish
Episode 20: Expressions at Work #90 | The Client Changed Everything at the Last Minute
Season 5 · Episode 20
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 • Duration 05:34
Have you ever been days away from a deadline when a client suddenly changes the entire project?
In this episode of Expressions at Work, we follow a team that believes they're on the verge of completing a major proposal—until an unexpected phone call turns everything upside down.
As the deadline approaches, the team faces shifting priorities, mounting pressure, and a race against the clock to deliver results.
Along the way, you'll learn five advanced Business English expressions commonly used in professional environments:
• Move the goalposts
• Throw a wrench into
• Back to square one
• Under the gun
• Salvage the situation
Perfect for Business English learners, professionals, managers, and anyone looking to improve their workplace communication skills through realistic business stories.
Listen, learn, and build the confidence to use natural Business English in meetings, presentations, and everyday professional conversations.
#BusinessEnglish #EnglishPodcast #LearnEnglish #WorkplaceEnglish #ProfessionalEnglish #BusinessCommunication #EnglishListening #ESL #ExpressionsAtWork #AdvancedEnglish
Episode 19: Expressions at Work #89 | The Meeting That Should Have Been an Email
Season 5 · Episode 19
Thursday, June 11, 2026 • Duration 06:18
The Meeting That Should Have Been an Email Podcast Description: Have you ever spent an hour in a meeting that could have been resolved in five minutes? In this episode of Expressions at Work, we follow a team that turns a simple decision into a lengthy discussion filled with distractions, unnecessary details, and repeated arguments. Along the way, you'll learn five advanced Business English expressions that professionals frequently encounter in meetings and workplace discussions: ✅ Get bogged down ✅ Go off on a tangent ✅ Labor the point ✅ Cut to the chase ✅ Reach a consensus If you've ever left a meeting wondering what was actually accomplished, this episode will feel very familiar. Perfect for Business English learners, professionals, managers, and anyone looking to sound more natural and confident in workplace conversations. Listen to the story, learn the expressions, and improve your professional English one episode at a time. #BusinessEnglish #EnglishPodcast #LearnEnglish #WorkplaceEnglish #ProfessionalEnglish #EnglishListening #BusinessCommunication #AdvancedEnglish #ExpressionsAtWork #ESLPodcast
Episode 18: Expressions at Work #88 | When Everything Starts Falling Apart at Work
Season 5 · Episode 18
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 • Duration 06:09
What do you do when deadlines start slipping, unexpected problems appear, and the pressure keeps building?
In this episode of Expressions at Work, you'll hear a realistic workplace story about a project that suddenly begins to unravel. Along the way, you'll learn practical Business English expressions that professionals use every day.
Today's expressions:
• Fall behind
• Hit a roadblock
• Keep everyone in the loop
• Put out fires
• Get back on track
Perfect for English learners, business professionals, and anyone looking to sound more natural and confident in workplace conversations.
Listen to the story, learn the expressions, and start using them in your own meetings, emails, and presentations.
Episode 17: Episode 87: Handling a Difficult Employee
Season 5 · Episode 17
Friday, March 20, 2026 • Duration 04:05
Episode 87 of Expressions at Work takes you back inside the Human Resources department as the team deals with a challenging workplace situation — a high-performing employee whose behavior is beginning to affect the team.
In this episode, you’ll hear how HR professionals handle sensitive issues by discussing performance concerns, deciding how to address the behavior, and ensuring that problems are properly documented. The team also explores how to set clear expectations and when to introduce a performance improvement plan (PIP).
This episode is ideal for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to understand how professionals communicate in difficult workplace situations, especially when balancing performance with professionalism.
Listening to realistic HR conversations will help you improve your business English vocabulary, communication skills, and confidence in professional environments.
🎧 In this episode you’ll learn expressions such as:
• Performance concerns
• Address the behavior
• Document the issue
• Set clear expectations
• Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)
• Professional conduct
Subscribe to Expressions at Work for more realistic workplace English conversations designed to help you sound more natural, clear, and confident at work.
Episode 16: Episode 86:'The Human Resources Department: A Rising Turnover Problem
Season 5 · Episode 16
Sunday, March 15, 2026 • Duration 04:29
Episode 86 of Expressions at Work takes us inside the Human Resources department of a large international company. The HR team has noticed an unusual increase in employee resignations, and they need to figure out what’s causing the problem.
In this episode, you’ll hear a realistic workplace discussion as the HR team analyzes employee turnover, reviews exit interview feedback, and considers how issues like burnout, career progression, and competitive compensation may be affecting employee retention.
This episode is perfect for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to understand the kind of language professionals use when discussing staffing, workplace culture, and business strategy.
Listening to realistic workplace conversations can help you improve your business English vocabulary, listening comprehension, and professional communication skills.
🎧 In this episode you’ll learn expressions such as:
• Employee retention
• Exit interview
• Burnout
• Career progression
• Competitive compensation
• Retention strategy
Subscribe to Expressions at Work for more realistic workplace English conversations and explanations designed to help you sound more natural and confident in professional environments.
Episode 15: Episode 85 — Strategic Storytelling in Business Communication
Season 5 · Episode 15
Thursday, February 26, 2026 • Duration 02:35
In this episode of Expressions at Work, we explore one of the most powerful communication skills in business: strategic storytelling.
Data informs, but stories persuade.
How do you present ideas so they are remembered.
How do you structure updates so they influence decisions.
And how do you communicate strategy in clear, persuasive English.
In this Advanced Business English ESL episode, you will learn practical workplace expressions that help you organize ideas logically and speak with impact.
You will learn phrases such as:
frame the narrative
establish context
highlight the turning point
tailor the message
draw a clear takeaway
structure ideas strategically
This episode is ideal for advanced ESL learners, managers, and international professionals who want to communicate more persuasively in meetings, presentations, and executive discussions.
If you want your ideas to be understood, remembered, and acted on, this episode will help you speak with clarity and influence.
Subscribe for weekly Advanced Business English lessons.
Episode 14: Episode 84 — Executive Presence in English
Season 5 · Episode 14
Sunday, February 22, 2026 • Duration 03:17
In this episode of Expressions at Work, we focus on a powerful professional skill: executive presence in English.
What makes someone sound like a leader in meetings.
How do some professionals communicate authority without raising their voice.
And why does language shape how others perceive your credibility.
In this Advanced Business English ESL episode, you will learn practical workplace expressions that help you speak with clarity, composure, and strategic confidence.
You will learn phrases such as:
demonstrate executive presence
articulate trade-offs
signal ownership
elevate the conversation
project composure
use decisive language
This episode is ideal for advanced ESL learners, managers, and international professionals who want to sound more confident in high-stakes conversations.
If you want to strengthen your executive communication skills and project authority in English, this episode will help you speak with precision and impact.
Episode 13: Episode 83 — Leading Meetings That Actually Get Results
Season 5 · Episode 13
Saturday, February 21, 2026 • Duration 02:40
In this episode of Expressions at Work, we focus on a critical professional skill: leading meetings that actually get results.
Do your meetings drift off track?
Do discussions go in circles without clear decisions?
In this Advanced Business English ESL episode, you’ll learn practical workplace expressions that help you guide conversations, manage different viewpoints, and drive meetings toward real outcomes.
You’ll learn phrases such as:
set the agenda
frame the objective
keep the discussion on track
manage competing viewpoints
drive toward a decision
confirm action items
This episode is ideal for:
✔ Advanced ESL learners
✔ Team leaders and managers
✔ International professionals
✔ Anyone who wants stronger executive communication skills in English
If you want to sound more confident, structured, and influential in meetings — this episode is for you.
In this episode of Expressions at Work, we focus on a critical leadership skill: giving constructive feedback.
How do you correct someone professionally?
How do you improve performance without creating defensiveness or tension?
In this Advanced Business English ESL episode, you’ll learn powerful workplace expressions that help you deliver feedback clearly, calmly, and diplomatically.
You’ll learn phrases such as:
set the context
focus on specific behaviors
identify development areas
invite perspective
clarify expectations
constructive feedback
This episode is ideal for:
✔ Advanced ESL learners
✔ Managers and team leaders
✔ International professionals
✔ Anyone who wants to improve executive communication in English
If you want to speak more confidently in performance conversations, this episode will help you sound professional and composed.