HUMAN RESOURCES

general vocabulary
Unit Over 0000 and under
Look at these mini-dialogues and complete each one with a word from the box. These words all include
over or under. The first one has been done as an example for you. One word can be used twice.
overhaul overheads overmanned / overstaffed overpaid
overqualified overrated overrule overrun overtime overturn
overworked underachiever undermanned undermine
understanding understudy undertaking underutilised underworked
1. A. The directors think that our staff are underworked .
B. Well, they are at the moment, but that's because demand for our products is so low.
2. A. The workers have __________ the time limit set by the production manager.
B. That's not good. They shouldn't go beyond the limits that set for them.
3. A. We're rather __________ at the moment.
B. Right. And unless the market improves, we might need to lay off some of our casual workers.
4. A. Do you think our staff are __________?
B. No, I don't. They work very hard for the money they receive.
5. A. Everyone says that Elizabeth works hard, but in my opinion she's a bit of an __________.
B. I agree. She doesn't do as much as she is capable.
6. A. I'm learning how to do the production manager's job in case he needs to take some extended
time off.
B. Oh, I thought you were the __________ for the accounts manager.
7. A. Does this business make a lot of money?
B. Yes, it's a very profitable __________.
8. A. Robert has a degree in business studies, doesn't he?
B. Yes, so he's rather __________ to be an ordinary shop floor worker.
9. A. Our sales revenue covers the manufacturing costs, but not the day-to-day running costs of the
company.
B. Right. We need to make sure we have enough to cover our __________.
10. A. Our staff are always complaining that they're __________.
B. I don't know why. They get plenty of breaks, and most of them clock off before three o'clock.
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© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. For reference see Dictionary of Human Resources and Personnel Management (ISBN 0 7475 6623 2)