IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Promote Job Retention During Economic Downturns – Sample Essays and Analysis

Economic downturns and their impact on employment are recurring themes in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in various forms over the years and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Let’s explore a specific question related to job retention during economic challenges and analyze how to approach it effectively.

Some people believe that during economic downturns, companies should focus on retaining their existing employees rather than hiring new ones. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on a specific strategy during economic difficulties. Key points to consider:

1. The main focus is on job retention vs. new hiring during economic downturns.
2. You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement.
3. You should provide reasons and examples to support your position.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

During periods of economic uncertainty, many argue that businesses should prioritize keeping their current workforce rather than expanding through new hires. I strongly agree with this perspective, as it offers numerous benefits for both companies and employees while contributing to overall economic stability.

Firstly, retaining existing employees during economic downturns is crucial for maintaining organizational knowledge and productivity. Experienced staff members possess valuable insights into company operations, customer relationships, and industry-specific skills that are difficult to replace. By focusing on retention, businesses can ensure continuity in their operations and avoid the costly and time-consuming process of recruiting and training new personnel. This approach allows companies to weather economic storms more effectively and positions them for faster recovery when conditions improve.

Moreover, prioritizing job retention demonstrates a company’s commitment to its workforce, which can significantly boost employee morale and loyalty. During challenging times, employees who feel secure in their positions are more likely to remain motivated and productive, even in the face of potential pay cuts or reduced hours. This sense of job security can foster a stronger sense of community within the organization, encouraging employees to work collaboratively to overcome economic challenges. In contrast, a strategy focused on new hires during a downturn may create anxiety among existing staff, potentially leading to decreased productivity and increased turnover.

From a broader economic perspective, maintaining employment levels during downturns can help stabilize local and national economies. When companies prioritize retention, they contribute to maintaining consumer spending power, which is crucial for economic recovery. Conversely, widespread job losses can lead to a downward spiral of reduced consumer spending, further business closures, and prolonged economic hardship. By keeping their workforce intact, businesses play a vital role in mitigating the severity and duration of economic downturns.

However, it is important to acknowledge that some level of new hiring may still be necessary, even during challenging economic times. Companies may need to bring in specialists to navigate the crisis or adapt to changing market conditions. Nonetheless, these hires should be strategic and complementary to the goal of maintaining the existing workforce.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that focusing on employee retention during economic downturns is a prudent strategy for businesses. This approach not only benefits the company through preserved institutional knowledge and enhanced employee loyalty but also contributes to broader economic stability. While some selective hiring may be necessary, the primary focus should be on supporting and retaining the existing workforce to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.

(Word count: 398)

Job retention strategies during economic downturn

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In times of economic difficulty, some people think companies should keep their current workers instead of hiring new ones. I mostly agree with this idea because it has several advantages for both businesses and employees.

One main reason to keep existing employees during economic downturns is that they already know how the company works. These workers have experience with the company’s systems and customers, which is valuable. If a company hires new people, it takes time and money to train them. This can be difficult when the economy is bad. By keeping current employees, companies can save resources and continue working efficiently.

Another benefit of keeping existing staff is that it helps maintain good morale. When workers feel secure in their jobs, they are likely to work harder and be more loyal to the company. This is important during tough economic times when everyone needs to work together to overcome challenges. If a company starts hiring new people while the economy is bad, current employees might worry about their own jobs, which could make them less productive.

However, there might be some situations where hiring new people is necessary. For example, if a company needs someone with special skills to help during the economic crisis, they might need to hire someone new. But this should be done carefully and not at the expense of current employees.

Keeping current employees also helps the wider economy. When people keep their jobs, they can continue to spend money, which is good for other businesses and the overall economy. If many people lose their jobs, it can create a cycle where less money is spent, more businesses struggle, and the economic problems get worse.

In conclusion, I believe that focusing on keeping current employees during economic downturns is generally a good strategy for companies. It helps maintain productivity, keeps worker morale high, and supports the broader economy. While some new hiring might be needed in specific cases, the main focus should be on supporting existing staff members.

(Word count: 329)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Understanding the question: Ensure you fully grasp what the question is asking. In this case, it’s about agreeing or disagreeing with a specific strategy during economic downturns.

2. Clear position: State your opinion clearly in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay.

3. Structure: Use a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs (each discussing a separate point), and a conclusion.

4. Supporting arguments: Provide logical reasons and specific examples to support your position.

5. Balanced view: While you can strongly agree or disagree, acknowledging the other side of the argument can demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic.

6. Cohesion and coherence: Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.

7. Vocabulary and grammar: Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your band level.

Important Vocabulary to Remember

1. Economic downturn (noun) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈdaʊntɜːn/: A period of reduced economic activity.

2. Job retention (noun) /dʒɒb rɪˈtenʃn/: The ability of a company to keep its employees.

3. Workforce (noun) /ˈwɜːkfɔːs/: The total number of people employed by a company or in a country.

4. Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/: The rate at which goods are produced or work is completed.

5. Morale (noun) /məˈrɑːl/: The confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group.

6. Turnover (noun) /ˈtɜːnəʊvə/: The rate at which employees leave a company and are replaced.

7. Consumer spending (noun) /kənˈsjuːmə ˈspendɪŋ/: The amount of money spent by households in an economy.

8. Institutional knowledge (noun) /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənl ˈnɒlɪdʒ/: The combined experience and insights of a company’s employees.

9. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

10. Strategic (adjective) /strəˈtiːdʒɪk/: Carefully designed or planned to serve a particular purpose.

Conclusion

Writing about job retention during economic downturns requires a good understanding of both business practices and economic principles. Remember to structure your essay clearly, use relevant examples, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score.

For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:

1. The role of government in protecting jobs during economic crises.
2. The impact of automation on job security during economic downturns.
3. The effectiveness of retraining programs for employees during industry shifts.

Feel free to write your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This practice can significantly improve your writing skills for the IELTS exam.