Workshop 10 — Workplace Culture in America · Facilitator Lesson Plan

For: CSC office staff, case managers, bilingual volunteers You don't need to be an expert. You need to be a calm bilingual presence who can read the room, follow this script, and route hard questions to the right resource.

Frame: US workplace norms are not "right" — they are what your participants' managers are likely expecting. We teach the rules so participants can choose what fits them. Never moralize.

1 · At-a-Glance

2 · Learning Objectives

After this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Apply the "polite no" formula — Acknowledge + Reason + Alternative — in English, to one workplace request.
2. Name three US workplace norms that differ from China (first-name basis, direct-but-polite disagreement, paid overtime by law) and decide which to try first.
3. Use one English phrase to ask for help, slow down a manager, or ask "what's next" after finishing a task.
4. Identify one CSC service they will use this month and how to reach it.

3 · Pre-Workshop Checklist (15 minutes before start)

Tech

• Open slides at https://workplace-culture-workshop.pages.dev/ — test the language toggle (top-right). Default is 中文.
• Click through Slide 5 (scenario reveal) and Slide 10 (two-part T/F) once. These slides require a button click before arrow keys advance.
• Bookmark the workshop URL on your phone — slides work offline (service worker).

Materials

• Print ~20 copies of the resources handout (/resources)
• Print the Quick Reference Card (section 12) for the podium
• Sign-in sheet + pens at every seat (participants WILL want to write the English phrases down)

Room

• U-shape if group ≤ 12; rows if ≥ 13. Water available.

Yourself

• Skim this lesson plan once (15 min)
• Practice the polite-no formula in English ONCE out loud — you will model it: "I'd like to help, but I have to leave at 5. Can I do it first thing tomorrow?"
• Look at section 8 — be ready for the top 3 questions (overtime, calling in sick, "my boss yelled at me").

4 · Audience Snapshot

Mostly Mandarin-speaking adults, 40–65, from SGV (Monterey Park, Alhambra, Rosemead, San Gabriel) or Chinatown. Many work in — or were recently let go from — restaurants, home care, warehouses, retail, hotel housekeeping, 99 Ranch, kitchens, or ride-share/delivery. A smaller group: office workers (bank tellers, medical front desk) moving into US corporate roles. The problem is NOT that they don't work hard — they work harder than most. The problem is quiet, head-down hard work — the China-default — reads as "passive" or "not promotable" to a US manager. They come because a coworker, family member, or last week's argument told them "you have to learn how Americans do it." Give them the rules without grading their old ones.

5 · Cultural & Bilingual Tips

• Frame, not prescribe. Not "在美国你应该…" (you SHOULD…). Say "在美国老板通常期望…" (US managers usually expect…) and "你可以决定怎么用." (you decide).
• Name the friction. "沉默 = 同意" and "默默承受不是美德" directly contradict what most learned at home. They will feel uncomfortable. That's the workshop working. Don't shame it — but don't soften it.
• "保面子" is real. Saying "no" to a boss feels like失礼 to many. Slide 7's pitch: the polite-no formula IS the face-saving move — "礼貌地拒绝就是给老板面子,因为他可以再安排别人."
• Two-world participants. Many participants work in Chinese-owned businesses by day (Monterey Park dim sum, Alhambra herbal shop, Rosemead 99 Ranch, San Gabriel Valley home-care) and have a US-corporate side hustle or want to move there. The rules on this deck describe US corporate / mainstream employer norms. Say it out loud: "这一套规则是在美国人开的公司用的 — 中餐馆里头的规矩可能不同."
• Bilingual cadence. Chinese first for framing, English for the script. Translate ONE key phrase per slide, not every sentence.
• Don't grade China. Slide 11 note: "两种文化没有好坏 — 但规则不一样." Say it verbatim. The 996 reference is observational, not a critique.
• Never give legal advice. Wage theft → CA Labor Commissioner. Discrimination/harassment → CSC + EEOC. See section 8.

6 · Slide-by-Slide Script

Slides 5 and 10 are reveal-gated — click the on-screen button before arrow keys advance.

Slide 1 · Title · ⏱ 1 min

SAY: "欢迎大家。今天三十分钟,我们讲三件事:美国老板期望什么、跟同事和老板怎么相处、怎么开口说不、说我做不到、说我需要帮忙." — "Welcome. In 30 minutes, three things: what US bosses expect, how to relate to coworkers and bosses, and how to speak up — say no, ask for help, ask what's next."

POINT TO: The title and the "30 minutes" hint.

ASK: "今天来,谁是为了一个具体的工作问题来的?" — "Who came today because of a specific situation at work?" (Hand-raise only; don't ask them to share.)

IF SHORT: Skip the ASK. Just welcome and advance.

Slide 2 · Agenda · ⏱ 1 min

SAY: "三个主题: ① 期望 ② 关系 ③ 沟通." — "Three topics: ① Expectations ② Relationships ③ Communication."

POINT TO: The three numbered cards. No ASK — go to Slide 3.

Slide 3 · Punctuality · ⏱ 2.5 min

SAY: "在美国,'准时'的意思是提早五分钟到。9点上班 — 8:55 到。9点到,老板心里已经觉得你晚了." — "In America, 'on time' means five minutes early. 9 a.m. shift — be there at 8:55. Walking in at 9:00 — your boss already feels you're late."

POINT TO: The three traffic-light clocks: 8:55 (green ✓), 9:00 (yellow ⚠), 9:05 (red ✗). Then the bottom note.

ASK: "如果今天早上塞车,你打电话还是发短信给老板?" — "Bad traffic this morning — call or text your boss?" (Both fine — the point is act, don't go silent. The slide's phrase is the model: "I'm running late, I will be there at 9:15.")

WATCH FOR: Pushback — "在中国 9 点到就是 9 点到." Honor it: "对 — 在中国是这样.美国老板的习惯不一样,你知道了就可以选."

IF SHORT: Skip the ASK. Point to clocks and the script.

Slide 4 · Dress Code · ⏱ 2 min

SAY: "三种最常见的着装。入职前问一句:'What's the dress code?'" — "Three common dress codes. Before day one, ask: 'What's the dress code?'"

POINT TO: Business Casual / Casual / Uniform cards.

ASK: "你现在工作的地方是哪一种?" — "What's the dress code where you work now?" (2–3 quick answers.)

IF SHORT: Read the three card titles. Skip ASK.

Slide 5 · Activity — "What Would You Do?" · ⏱ 4 min · REVEAL-GATED

SAY: "练一练。读情境 — 想一下你会选 A、B、还是 C — 不用举手。三十秒以后我们一起讨论." — "Now we practice. Read the scenario. Pick A, B, or C in your head — no hands yet. In 30 seconds we discuss."

POINT TO: The scenario (boss asks for 2 extra hours; you promised to pick up your child).

ASK (after 30 sec): "选 A 的请举手 — 选 B 的 — 选 C 的." Count out loud. Then: "为什么 C 比 A 好?" Take ONE answer.

Then click "揭晓答案 · Reveal Answer". The C script appears: "Tonight I need to pick up my child. Could I stay late tomorrow instead?"

SAY (after reveal): "C 不是'不孝顺老板' — C 是给老板一个选项。沉默 = 老板以为你答应。直接说'不行' = 没给老板下台阶." — "C isn't disrespecting your boss. C gives the boss a choice. Silence = boss assumes yes. Flat 'no' = no escape route for the boss."

WATCH FOR: Several picking A. That's the formative moment — quiet acceptance is the China-default, and it does not work here. Don't shame it. Point at C and say "这句话回家可以练一练."

IF SHORT: Skip hand-count. Read scenario, click reveal, say one sentence about C.

STRETCH (advanced): "在 Slide 5 的情境上 — 如果接小孩的不是您而是您爱人那天临时叫您去 — 您怎么改这句 C?" — "Using the Slide 5 scenario — what if it's not you but your spouse who suddenly needs you for pickup that night — how would you change the C script?" Pushes them to vary the Reason clause while keeping Acknowledge + Alternative bones. (Note: this is also a quiet CFRA / family-care moment — if anyone surfaces an actual denied family-care leave, route to Q4 after class. Don't legal-advise live.)

SCAFFOLD (beginner): Don't ask for a personal example. Point at C on screen and lead chorus repeat — three times slow: "Tonight I need to pick up my child. — Could I stay late tomorrow instead?" Say "跟我一起念" before each repeat. Goal: the sound of the phrase lives in their mouth before they leave.

Slide 6 · Relationships at Work · ⏱ 2.5 min

SAY: "美国职场比较平等 — 但'平等'不等于'随便'。还是有界限." — "US workplaces are flatter — but flatter doesn't mean anything goes. There are still boundaries."

POINT TO: The three cards: (1) call boss by first name when invited, (2) learn a little small talk, (3) DON'T ask about age, salary, marriage, religion, politics; DON'T give expensive gifts to your boss.

ASK: "你的老板让你叫他的名字 — 你叫得出口吗?" — "If your boss says 'call me Mike,' could you actually say 'Mike' to his face?"

WATCH FOR: "But it feels disrespectful" pushback. Honor: "在中文文化里,叫名字是不尊重 — 我懂。但在美国,老板邀请你叫名字,你不叫,反而让他不自在."

IF SHORT: Read three card titles. Skip ASK.

Slide 7 · Saying "No" & Asking for Help · ⏱ 4 min · HIGHEST-STAKES SLIDE

The most important slide. "Saying no politely" is the single skill that gets new immigrants in trouble at work. Spend the time.

SAY: "这一页最重要。在美国,礼貌地说'不'是专业,不是失礼。中文文化里我们觉得说不就是不给面子 — 美国职场反过来:不说出来,老板才没办法帮你." — "This slide matters most. In America, saying 'no' politely IS professional — not rude. In Chinese culture saying no can feel like loss of face — in the US workplace it's the opposite: if you don't speak up, your boss can't help you."

POINT TO: The red/green compare box. Red ✗: short, hard "No." (uncooperative). Green ✓: "I'd like to help, but I have to leave at 5. Can I do it first thing tomorrow?"

SAY (read the green script slowly): "I'd like to help — but — I have to leave at 5 — can I do it first thing tomorrow?" Then the formula: "Acknowledge + Reason + Alternative — 肯定 + 原因 + 替代方案."

ASK: "谁来跟我练一次?用你自己的情况." — "Who'll try it? Use your own situation." Wait. If silence: model with YOUR example. "I'd like to help, but I have a class at 6 tonight. Could I cover Saturday instead?" Then ask again. Take ONE volunteer.

Also POINT TO: Bottom phrases — "Could you help me with this?" / "I don't think I can finish that today — what should I do first?" Tell them: "这两句也写在资料上,回家练."

WATCH FOR: Real silence. This skill is hard. If no one volunteers — fine. The phrase is on the handout. Say: "回家在镜子前面练一次."

IF SHORT: Skip volunteer practice. Read the green script twice. Point to the formula. Move on.

STRETCH (advanced): "公式您会了 — 现在换一个难一点的:'同事第三次叫您帮忙代班.' 用 A+R+A,但是 Reason 不能是工作以外的事 — 给一个职场内的原因." — "You've got the formula — try a harder one: 'A coworker asks you to cover their shift for the third time.' Use A+R+A but the Reason must be a workplace reason, not a personal one." (Example: "I'd like to help, but I'm already behind on my own Friday close-out. Could we ask the manager to put it on the schedule?") Forces them past the easy "I have a class / I have to pick up my child" reasons.

SCAFFOLD (beginner): Before volunteer practice, run chorus repeat of the A+R+A bones — three times together: "I'd like to help — but — I have to leave at 5 — can I do it first thing tomorrow?" Mark the three beats with your fingers each time (1 = Acknowledge, 2 = Reason, 3 = Alternative). Then offer the shorter memorizable version on the handout: "I'm sorry, I can't tonight. Maybe tomorrow?" Same three bones, shorter words. Tell them: "短一点也可以 — 三个部分都在就行."

Slide 8 · Taking Initiative · ⏱ 2 min

SAY: "在美国,任务做完了不说话 — 老板觉得你没事做。主动开口 — 'What's next?' — 反而显示你认真." — "In the US, finish a task and stay silent, boss thinks you're idle. Speaking up — 'What's next?' — shows you care."

POINT TO: Three cards: ask "What's next?", suggestions welcome, learn on your own.

ASK: "中文'低调'是美德 — 美国职场怎么把'低调'变成'主动'?一句话." — "In Chinese, modesty is a virtue. In the US workplace, how do you turn modesty into initiative — in one English sentence?" (Hint: "Is there anything else I can help with?")

IF SHORT: Read card titles. Skip ASK.

Slide 9 · Social Media & Work · ⏱ 2 min

SAY: "老板会查 — 微信、抖音、Facebook、Instagram。就算你是中文发的,同事也会翻译给老板看." — "Bosses check — WeChat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram. Even in Chinese, coworkers translate and forward."

POINT TO: The four rules: don't trash boss/coworkers/company; no party photos on a sick day; no company secrets; public posts = your resume.

ASK: "发图之前问自己:如果老板看到,会怎么想?" (Rhetorical — let them sit with it.)

WATCH FOR: A laugh on "no party photos on a sick day" — means it landed.

Slide 10 · True/False Quiz · ⏱ 3 min · REVEAL-GATED (TWO STEPS)

SAY: "两道判断题。举手 — 对 TRUE / 错 FALSE." — "Two true-or-false. Vote by hand."

Q1: "老板说'叫我 Mike'时,应该继续叫他'经理 Wang'才礼貌." Hand-count: TRUE / FALSE.

Click "揭晓答案 1". Answer: FALSE. Read: "老板让你叫名字 — 接受邀请。继续用职称反而让他不自在."

Q2 (appears after Q1 reveal): "任务做完,应该等老板再分配工作,不应该主动开口." Hand-count again.

Click "揭晓答案 2". Answer: FALSE. Read: "主动开口 — 'What's next?' / 'Anything I can help with?' 显示你有责任感、想学."

WATCH FOR: Many voting Q2 TRUE because "等被吩咐 = 尊重". Acknowledge it's the China-default, then re-explain the US frame.

IF SHORT: Q1 only. Skip Q2 (already taught on Slide 8).

Slide 11 · China vs US Workplace · ⏱ 3 min

SAY: "这一页最重要的一句:'两种文化没有好坏 — 但规则不一样.'回家说中文,工作说美式英语 — 不是放弃自己,是多一种工具." — "The key line today: 'Neither culture is better — the rules are different.' Chinese at home, American at work — not losing yourself, adding a tool."

POINT TO: The five rows — titles / disagreement / overtime / small talk / gifts. Then the gold note.

ASK: "看完这张表 — 你回去之后,先试哪一条?一条就好." — "After this table — at work, which row will you try first? Just one."

WATCH FOR: Participants treating US norms as "correct." Say at least once: "两边都是合理的,只是在哪里用."

IF SHORT: Point only to "Overtime" (paid by law) and "Gifts" (no expensive gifts to boss) — the two most-asked.

STRETCH (advanced): "这一页讲的是美国人开的公司里的规矩 — 您现在如果是在华人老板的店里上班,这五条里哪一条最不一样?" — "This table describes US-corporate norms — if you currently work for a Chinese-owned employer (Monterey Park / Alhambra / Rosemead), which of the five rows differs most in your workplace?" Take 2 answers max. Don't grade either side. Reinforces the §5 two-world frame: the deck teaches one set of rules; the participant decides which world to apply them in.

SCAFFOLD (beginner): Don't ask them to pick a row in English. Point at each row's icon/heading in sequence and say the Chinese only: "称呼 — 反对意见 — 加班 — 闲聊 — 送礼." Then ask in Chinese: "回家想想 — 一条就好 — 哪一条您想试试?" — no out-loud answer required. Reflection is the goal, not English production.

Slide 12 · CSC Services · ⏱ 1.5 min

SAY: "华埠服务中心继续帮你 — 全部免费、双语、不用看身份." — "CSC keeps helping — free, bilingual, no immigration status required."

POINT TO: Five service cards (Workplace English, 1-on-1 Coaching, Cultural Adjustment, ESL, Worker Rights). Phone 213-808-1758.

ASK: "五个服务里,哪一个对你最有用?跟旁边的人说一句." (30-sec turn-and-share, no report-back.)

IF SHORT: Read service names + phone number. Skip turn-and-share.

Slide 13 · Resources + QR · ⏱ 1 min

SAY: "扫二维码就有完整的资料 — 句子、文化对比、本地资源。今天的资料发给大家了 — 想问的问题等下我跟你说." — "Scan the QR for the full resource page. Handout's on your seat. Write down any question — I'll talk with you after."

POINT TO: QR code; the three resource cards (CSC, CA Labor Commissioner, EEOC).

ASK: "下一步 — 一件事就好 — 你这周会做什么?" — "One thing — what will you do this week?"

WATCH FOR: People lingering near the QR. They have a private question. Stay 5 min past close.

7 · Interactive Moments

8 · Common Participant Questions

Rule: Never give legal, immigration, or HR-specific advice. Always route to a named resource.

Q1: "老板没付我加班费." / "Boss didn't pay me overtime."

You say: "在加州,超过 8 小时/天 或 40 小时/周 必须付加班费 — 法律规定。打劳工专员中文专线 1-833-526-4636,免费、不问身份。也欢迎来 CSC 一起打." Route to: CA Labor Commissioner · 1-833-526-4636 · dir.ca.gov/dlse. CSC for in-person walk-through.

Q2: "老板对我大吼大叫 — 违法吗?" / "Boss yells at me — illegal?"

You say: "大声本身不一定违法。但如果是因为你的种族、年龄、性别、国籍、宗教 — 是歧视,可以投诉。来 CSC 坐下来讲完整情况,我们告诉你下一步." Route to: CSC (213-808-1758); EEOC (1-800-669-4000) for federal discrimination.

Q3: "请病假打电话还是发短信?" / "Call or text in sick?"

You say: "尽量打电话 — 在上班时间之前。一句话:'Hi, this is [name]. I'm not feeling well today, I can't come in.' 短信也可以,电话更专业." Route to: Handout Section 2.

Q4: "我请假老板不批." / "Boss denied my time off."

You say: "加州法律规定每个员工每年最少有 40 小时带薪病假 (Paid Sick Leave) — 老板不能不批病假。家庭照护假 (CFRA) 也有保护。但普通'年假/vacation'每家公司规则不一样,要看员工手册 (employee handbook)。具体情况我说不准 — 病假被拒打劳工专员,普通休假争议来 CSC 坐下来讲." Route to: Paid sick leave denied → CA Labor Commissioner · 1-833-526-4636. Vacation/handbook dispute → CSC workplace coaching · 213-808-1758.

Q5: "我可以问同事工资吗?" / "Can I ask coworkers about pay?"

You say: "法律上你有权讨论工资 — 联邦法律保护。但文化上,直接问别人工资在美国公司很不礼貌。法律上可以,文化上小心。怀疑同工不同酬,来 CSC." Route to: CSC · 213-808-1758.

Q6: "老板说话很快我听不懂 — 假装懂吗?" / "Boss talks too fast — pretend?"

You say: "千万不要假装。假装 + 做错 = 失去信任。说'Could you say that again, please?' 或 'Could you speak a little slower?' — 老板会更尊重你." Route to: Handout Section 2; CSC ESL classes.

Q7: "可以送圣诞礼物给老板吗?" / "Christmas gift for boss?"

You say: "小卡片、小食物可以。不要送贵重的礼 — 美国公司有规定,贵重礼物可能被视为贿赂,反而让老板难做。送同事比送老板安全." Route to: Slide 11 Gifts row.

Q8: "我做错了 — 主动告诉老板吗?" / "I made a mistake — tell?"

You say: "应该。越早越好。说出来 + 说怎么改 = 信任。藏起来被发现 = 老板再也不信你。'I made a mistake — I think I can fix it by [time]. Is that OK?'" Route to: CSC 1-on-1 workplace coaching.

Q9: "餐厅老板说小费要分给他/经理 — 合法吗?" / "Boss says I have to share tips with him/the manager — legal?"

You say: "好问题 — 在加州,老板和经理不能拿小费。小费只能在'服务员工'之间分 (waiter, busser, food runner)。如果老板或经理拿走 — 是违法的。打加州劳工专员中文专线,他们会帮您看具体情况。" Route to: CA Labor Commissioner · 1-833-526-4636 (Chinese line). CSC for in-person walk-through.

Q10: "我做家政/送外卖,老板给我 1099 不是 W-2 — 有问题吗?" / "Home-care/delivery work — boss gives me 1099 not W-2 — is that a problem?"

You say: "看情况。真正的独立合约 (1099) — 您自己定时间、自己用工具,可以。但如果老板规定您几点上班、用谁的车、按公司流程 — 那应该是 W-2,1099 是误分类。来 CSC 我们帮您梳理,严重的转到劳工专员。" Route to: CSC workplace coaching first · 213-808-1758. CA Labor Commissioner if misclassification confirmed.

9 · Recovery Plans

If internet fails: Printed handouts + phone backup (slides work offline). Skip the QR demo on Slide 13.

If only 3 people show up: Sit in a circle. EVERYONE practices the polite-no formula out loud on Slide 7 — three rounds. Stretch Q&A to 20 minutes.

If 25+ people show up: Clusters of 4. Count hands by section (left/middle/right). On Slide 7, ONE volunteer total. Stay 5 extra minutes — you'll get the private questions.

If the group is silent: Wait 7 full seconds. Re-ask with "如果有人…". Model the answer yourself — especially on Slide 7. Modeling unlocks the room more than re-asking.

If one participant dominates: "好的,谢谢分享。我们听听其他人的看法." Walk toward another part of the room. For legal-specific questions: "等下我跟你单独说."

If running long (>5 min over at halfway): Cut Slide 4 to 1 min (just card titles). On Slide 10, Q1 only. On Slide 11, point only to Overtime + Gifts rows.

If you finish early (5 / 10 / 15 min spare):

Don't default to "any questions?" — silence will eat the time. Workplace-culture rooms are especially prone to it because the topic is face-sensitive and many participants won't volunteer questions in front of others. Run one of these instead, matched to your spare-time budget.

• 5 min spare — Round-the-room one-word check: "用一个词说说,今天最重要的一件事是什么?" / "In one word, what's the most important thing from today?" Take 8–10 quick answers. Likely words: 公式 / 准时 / Mike / 加班费 / 主动. Closes the loop without dragging.
• 10 min spare — Run the Polite-No Role-Play Stations in §13 ("Finish-Early Extension"). Pairs draft an A+R+A response on sticky notes for one workplace scenario card. No individual exposure, reinforces Slide 5 + Slide 7 with zero new content.
• 15 min spare — Use the first sub-block of the 60-Min Variant (see §13): hand out the "My Monday Morning" worksheet and give participants 10 min of private writing time while you and the bilingual volunteer rove and answer 1-on-1 questions. Never collect the paper.

If the reveal button on Slide 5 or 10 doesn't respond: Press the right-arrow key — also advances. If still stuck, click outside the button area. Worst case: read the answer from this lesson plan.

If a question goes runaway long:

• "好问题。让我先记下来,我们在 1-on-1 / 资源页面里看更深。" — "Good question. Let me write it down — we'll go deeper in 1-on-1 / on the resource page."
• Write it visibly on a whiteboard or paper "parking lot." Move on.
• For wage/overtime/tip-sharing/1099-vs-W-2 specifics: "这个最好打加州劳工专员 1-833-526-4636,免费、有中文。来 CSC 我们陪您打." Don't try to legal-advise live.

10 · Closing & Next Steps (last 5 minutes)

SAY (verbatim): "今天三件事请记住:1) 美国老板的'准时'是提早 5 分钟 — 迟到就立刻打电话。2) 说不有公式 — 肯定 + 原因 + 替代方案。回去前练一次。3) 两种文化没有好坏,规则不一样 — 多一种工具。下一步:1) 拿走资料 2) 扫二维码 3) 想约一对一职场辅导的跟我说,免费的."

Translation: "Three things: 1) US 'on time' = 5 min early — if late, call right away. 2) Saying no has a formula — Acknowledge + Reason + Alternative. Practice it once. 3) Neither culture is better, rules just differ — adding a tool. Next steps: 1) handout 2) QR 3) free 1-on-1 workplace coaching — see me after."

Hand out: Resources handout. Point to QR + CSC phone 213-808-1758.

Send them to:

• https://workplace-culture-workshop.pages.dev/resources — full participant resource page
• CSC Workplace Coaching (1-on-1, free) · 213-808-1758 · 767 N Hill St
• CA Labor Commissioner (wage/overtime) · 1-833-526-4636 (Chinese line)
• EEOC (workplace discrimination/harassment) · 1-800-669-4000

11 · Post-Workshop Tasks (within 24 hours)

• Save the sign-in sheet (scan or photograph)
• Note attendance + brief mood in workshop log
• Send "thank you" WeChat message to any participant who shared contact — include slides + resources URLs
• Log lingerers for follow-up (coaching / labor commissioner / EEOC intake)
• If anyone shared a wage-theft, discrimination, or harassment situation — flag for staff sync immediately. Don't wait.
• Note any confusing slide for the next audit pass

12 · Quick Reference Card (print this page)

One sheet. Clipboard. Lectern. Glance during the workshop.

Workshop 10 — Workplace Culture · 30 min

Agenda strip:

1. (slide 1–2) Welcome + agenda — 2 min
2. (slide 3–4) Punctuality + dress — 4.5 min
3. (slide 5) Scenario activity (reveal-gated) — 4 min
4. (slide 6–8) Relationships + saying no + initiative — 8.5 min · Slide 7 is the most important
5. (slide 9) Social media — 2 min
6. (slide 10) T/F quiz (2-step reveal) — 3 min
7. (slide 11) China vs US table — 3 min
8. (slide 12–13) CSC + QR close — 2.5 min

If running long: Cut Slide 4 to 1 min (titles only), Slide 10 Q1 only, Slide 11 only Overtime + Gifts rows; convert any pair-share to "think 30 sec + raise hand."

If you finish early:

• 5 min spare → round-the-room one-word check ("一个词 — 今天最重要的一件事")
• 10 min spare → §13 Polite-No Role-Play Stations (sticky-note A+R+A on a scenario card)
• 15+ min spare → §13 Sub-block 1 — "My Monday Morning" private worksheet, 1-on-1 circulation, never collect paper

Top 5 questions you'll get:

1. Overtime not paid → CA Labor Commissioner 1-833-526-4636
2. Boss yells / racist comment → CSC intake, then EEOC 1-800-669-4000
3. Call or text in sick? → Call if you can; one sentence
4. Time-off denied → Read employee handbook, then CSC
5. Christmas gift for boss? → Card or small food OK; nothing expensive

The one formula to teach:

• Polite no = Acknowledge + Reason + Alternative
• "I'd like to help, but I have to leave at 5. Can I do it first thing tomorrow?"
• 肯定 + 原因 + 替代方案

Emergency phrases:

• Silence: "如果有人…" (if someone…)
• Redirect: "好的,我们听听其他人的看法."
• No answer: "好问题。我跟同事确认一下,联系你."
• Out of scope: "这个问题最好打加州劳工专员 / EEOC / 来 CSC 坐下来谈."

Three numbers to know cold:

• CSC: 213-808-1758 (free workplace coaching, walk-ins welcome)
• CA Labor Commissioner: 1-833-526-4636 (wage/overtime/retaliation, Chinese line)
• EEOC: 1-800-669-4000 (federal discrimination + harassment)

Slide gotchas:

• Slide 5 — must click "揭晓答案" before arrow advances
• Slide 10 — Q2 doesn't appear until Q1 reveal is clicked; two reveal clicks total
• Slide 11 — say "两种文化没有好坏" out loud; it's the workshop's thesis

If something breaks:

• WiFi out → printed handout + phone (slides work offline)
• Projector dies → walk slides 3, 7, 11 around the room from the handout
• Reveal button frozen → press right-arrow key, or read answer from this lesson plan
• Question I can't answer → "我跟同事确认,联系你." + write it down

13 · 60-Minute Variant (when you have a full hour)

Use this when: Your slot is 60 minutes instead of 30+10, OR you finish the core 30-min teach with significant time remaining, OR the room asks for hands-on practice. The variant ADDS 30 min of applied work after the 30-min core — it does NOT re-run the same slides.

Don't lecture longer. The 30-min core is calibrated to LEP-adult attention, and this topic is face-sensitive — extra didactic time will surface more shame than learning. Extra time goes to PRACTICE, in pairs or private writing, NOT more teaching.

The single boundary rule: No legal, tax, immigration, or HR-specific advice during practice. The variant is we teach the rules, you decide. Wage/tip/1099 questions still route out — Labor Commissioner 1-833-526-4636 for legal, CSC 213-808-1758 for coaching. Split routing per §8 Q4 (sick-leave-denial → Labor Commissioner; vacation/handbook → CSC).

Finish-Early Extension (10 min) — Polite-No Role-Play Stations

Use this when you have ~10 min spare mid-workshop or at close. Reinforces Slide 5 + Slide 7 with zero new content and zero individual exposure — pairs work on a generic scenario card, never their own boss.

• Setup (2 min): Print 3–5 scenario cards before the workshop (one per pair, repeats OK). Cards: 1. "Your boss texts you Friday night: 'Can you come in Saturday morning?' You already have plans with family." 2. "A coworker asks you — for the third time this month — to cover their evening shift." 3. "Your manager says, 'We're behind — skip lunch today, finish this order.' You haven't eaten since 7 a.m." 4. (optional) "Your boss says, 'Stay an extra hour tonight to train the new person.' You have ESL class at 6 p.m." 5. (optional) "A client wants you to take an off-the-books cash job on the side. Your boss doesn't know."

Hand out sticky notes (2 per pair) + pens. Pair people by neighbor — don't re-seat. Say: "每组一张情境卡。两个人一起想一句英文回答 — 用 A+R+A: 肯定 + 原因 + 替代方案。写在便利贴上 — 不用写完美,写出来就好."

• Activity (6 min): Pairs draft an A+R+A response on a sticky note. You and the bilingual volunteer rove — coach 2–3 pairs on Acknowledge wording (the part most pairs skip — they jump straight to "I can't because…"). Common fix: prepend "I'd like to help, but…" or "Thanks for thinking of me, but…". Do NOT correct grammar on the Reason — only the structure. Card 5 (cash-side-job): if a pair drafts it, don't legal-advise — say "这种情况单独跟我聊" and move on.

• Debrief (2 min): Ask 2 pairs to read theirs aloud — one strong, one stretch. Strong = clear A+R+A bones. Stretch = missing one part; you say "听到了 Reason 跟 Alternative — 加一句'I'd like to help' 就完整了." Close by sticking ALL the notes on a wall or whiteboard. Say: "回家拍一张照片 — 这就是您的小抄."

60-Minute Variant — Applied Block (30 min, added after Slide 13)

A private-writing + 1-on-1 circulation block. Workplace culture is too face-sensitive for group performance — this format gives everyone space to think on paper and ask the bilingual volunteer privately. Never collect the paper. It belongs to the participant.

Time: 30 min (35 if you include the 5-min wrap below)

Materials added:

• 1 printed "My Monday Morning" worksheet per participant (bilingual one-pager — prepare ahead from §12 QRC content; sample structure below)
• Optional: opt-in sign-up sheet for free 1-on-1 CSC workplace coaching (separate sheet, names + phone, kept by facilitator)
• Pens already at every seat from §3

Worksheet structure (one page, bilingual labels):

1. 本周想试的一条美国职场习惯 / One US workplace norm I'll try this week: _______ (prompt: pick one row from Slide 11 — punctuality, first-name basis, paid overtime, small talk, no expensive gifts)
2. 周一前要背的一句英文 / One English phrase I'll memorize before Monday: _______ (prompt: pick from Slide 3 "I'm running late, I will be there at [time]," Slide 7 "I'd like to help, but… Can I…?", or Slide 8 "Is there anything else I can help with?")
3. 一件工作上需要帮助的事 / One workplace situation I need help with: _______ (prompt: 1 sentence. Anonymous OK. This is for YOU to remember — never collected.)
4. 我想约的一个 CSC 服务 / One CSC service I'll book: _______ (prompt: Workplace English, 1-on-1 Coaching, Cultural Adjustment, ESL, or Worker Rights — pick one. Phone 213-808-1758.)

Sub-block 1 — Private writing · ⏱ 20 min

• (0:00–0:02) Set the rules. "我要发一张表 — 私人的,不会收上来,不会让你读出来。请用中文写或英文写,看您舒服。25 分钟,我跟双语义工会走过来,您要问什么 — 工资、加班、不舒服的对话、要不要约一对一 — 可以小声问。第 3 题写谁也不知道是您 — 您回家自己看的." — "I'm giving out a worksheet — private, never collected, never read aloud. Write in Chinese or English, whichever is comfortable. We circulate 1-on-1 for the next 20 minutes. Question 3 is anonymous — it's only for you."
• (0:02–0:20) Participants write. You + bilingual volunteer rove. - At each participant: kneel/sit beside them, don't stand over them. Open with "您写到哪了?" or just point at a question. - What to coach: structure, English phrasing on Q2, which CSC service fits Q4. Acknowledge structure on Q1 ("一条就好 — 不用全部"). - What to route, not solve: any Q3 that mentions wage theft / unpaid overtime / tip-sharing-with-boss / 1099 vs W-2 / harassment / discrimination → "这个等下我们单独说" + write it on your private parking lot. Don't legal-advise at the table. - For two-world participants (working in Chinese-owned SGV businesses): if their Q1 names a Slide 11 row that doesn't apply in their actual workplace (e.g., a Chinese-owned dim sum spot where everyone uses 师傅/姐 not first names), validate it: "对 — 这一条您现在的工作用不上。挑一条用得上的." Don't force the US-corporate frame onto a workplace where it won't help. - For beginner / English-shy participants: if Q2 is blank or stuck, offer the short memorizable polite-no: "I'm sorry, I can't tonight. Maybe tomorrow?" Have them write it. That's the win.

Sub-block 2 — Optional sign-up + private follow-up · ⏱ 5 min

• (0:20–0:21) Announce. "如果您想 CSC 一对一职场辅导 — 免费,双语,可以中文 — 桌子前面有签到表,留名字和电话就行。不签也完全可以 — 您直接打 213-808-1758 一样." — "If you want free 1-on-1 CSC workplace coaching — bilingual, in Mandarin if you prefer — sign up at the front. Not signing is totally fine — you can call 213-808-1758 directly anytime."
• (0:21–0:25) People who linger or hand-wave. Walk to them. Quiet conversation. Three things to listen for and route accordingly: 1. Wage/overtime/tip-sharing/misclassification → CA Labor Commissioner 1-833-526-4636. "我陪您打 — 或者下周来 CSC 我们一起." 2. Discrimination / harassment / "boss yells at me" with a protected-class element → CSC intake first (213-808-1758) so we document, then EEOC 1-800-669-4000 if appropriate. "这种情况不要一个人扛 — 来 CSC,我们一起看下一步." 3. General workplace coaching / "I don't know how to talk to my boss" → CSC 1-on-1 workplace coaching. Sign-up sheet OR phone OK.

Sub-block 3 — Soft close · ⏱ 5 min

• (0:25–0:27) Round-the-room one-line share (OPT-IN). "想分享一条就分享 — 不想就跳过 — 没人会问您具体写了什么。" — "Anyone who wants to share ONE line — Q1, Q2, Q3, or Q4 — go ahead. Skip is totally fine."
• (0:27–0:30) Close. "今天的纸是您的 — 拿回家,贴冰箱上、放钱包里、放枕头底下都行。下周一上班前看一眼。一条就好,做到一条就是赢." — "The paper is yours — fridge, wallet, pillow, wherever. Glance at it before Monday's shift. One change is a win."

Close (5 min, optional — for 65 min total): Final round of "what's the one thing you'll do this week" — but ONLY if the energy is still high. If the room is quiet from the private-writing block, end on the soft close above. Don't force a performative round.

When to use what — quick rules

Differentiation in the variant

• For advanced learners: Run the 60-Min Variant by default. They need the application time — and the private worksheet gives them room to wrestle with edge cases (which Slide 11 rows actually apply at their Chinese-owned employer, how to translate a real situation into A+R+A) instead of re-hearing slides.
• For mixed-proficiency rooms: During Sub-block 1, pair the bilingual volunteer with English-shy participants for Q2 (the English phrase), let advanced participants write independently. Don't assign peer pairs for this block — workplace culture is too face-sensitive for peer coaching by strangers.
• For beginner-heavy rooms: Shrink the Polite-No Role-Play to 3 cards only (drop cards 4 and 5). On the worksheet, mark Q2 as "pick one of these three" with the three Slide 7 phrases pre-printed — they choose by circling, not writing. Q3 and Q4 stay free-write in Chinese. Expand 1-on-1 circulation time, shrink the sign-up block. The win is one English phrase memorized and one CSC service booked — not a fully-completed worksheet.

Routing & boundary

Same rules as the 30-min core: no legal, tax, immigration, or medical advice. The variant focuses on script-rehearsal (A+R+A), reflection (which norms to try), and service-routing (which CSC service to book). It does NOT decide for the participant whether their boss broke the law, whether to file an EEOC complaint, or whether their 1099 is valid.

Split routing during Sub-block 2 follow-up (per §8):

• Paid sick leave denied → CA Labor Commissioner 1-833-526-4636
• Vacation / handbook dispute → CSC workplace coaching 213-808-1758
• Wage theft / unpaid overtime / tip-pooling violations / 1099 misclassification → CA Labor Commissioner 1-833-526-4636 (CSC can accompany)
• Discrimination / harassment with protected-class element → CSC intake first (213-808-1758), then EEOC 1-800-669-4000

Always close by naming CSC 1-on-1 workplace coaching as the default 1-on-1 follow-up. It's free, bilingual, walk-in, no immigration-status questions.

Two-world reminder: The variant teaches US-corporate workplace norms. Participants employed in Chinese-owned SGV businesses (Monterey Park dim sum, Alhambra herbal, Rosemead 99 Ranch, SGV home-care) may apply the rules in some workplaces and not others. That's not a failure of the workshop — that's the participant doing the deciding. We teach the rules; you decide where to use them.

14 · Flashcards & Activities · 随身卡片与活动

There is a 6-card take-home deck for this workshop — vocabulary, a dialogue, a fact sheet, tips, useful info, and a diagram. 这个工作坊有一套 6 张随身卡片:关键词、对话、数据、小贴士、有用信息、图示。

Print 打印: 打开卡片 Open the deck · 直接打印 Print now. Prints 2 cards per landscape sheet (3 sheets per deck). Print one deck per participant, plus 1–2 spare decks for games; cut along the dashed lines. 每人一套,另备 1–2 套做游戏用。

Hand them out at the close (§10) — the deck is the take-home companion to the written action plan. 在结尾(第 10 节)发给大家,和写下的行动计划一起带回家。

Best-fit activities for THIS workshop (full menu of 8 at the flashcards page) · 这个工作坊最适合的两个活动(完整 8 个活动见卡片页):

1. 对话练习 · Dialogue Role-Play (对话卡 dialogue · 3 分钟) — 两人读对话,中英各一遍,换角色,再换成自己的情况。 Pairs read the dialogue in both languages, switch roles, then swap in their own situation.
2. 真的假的 · True or False (数据卡 facts · 2–3 分钟) — 讲师读句子(有对有错),对的举手,翻卡核对 — 和 slide 7 的投票一样。 Facilitator reads true/false statements; hands up for true; check the fact card (same format as the slide-7 quiz).

Always close with · 收尾必做 — 带走一张 Keep One Card (whole deck 整套 · 2 min): each participant picks the ONE card most useful to them right now and tells a neighbor why. 每人选一张对自己最有用的卡,告诉旁边的人为什么 — 给他们一个具体的、带得走的东西。