Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[river1974]

Dear teachers:

These two young men have a number of quirks *in place* to keep their staff happy while working in their company.

Does "in place" here mean "properly"?

Thanks.

[asterix]

in place means that these "quirks" are already established as part of the company's operating procedures.

[bud]

But are you sure quirks is right, River? I wonder if it should be perks instead?

[river1974]

Thank you both. The sentence is a quotation from the material of my cram school. According to the corresponding Chinese translation thereof, "quirks" means "peculiar behavior or habit". I am not sure if the translation is right because my cram school teacher says, "Don't trust the corresponding translations, they are incorrect frequently!"

[asterix]

I think even a quirk can be a perk, so Bud is probably correct.
I have heard that at some places, particularly high pressure companies that deal in computer programming, they have such quirky perks as being allowed to play video games, and work out in the company gym to relieve stress.

[river1974]

Thansk asterix. Many hi-tech companies in Taiwan have their own gyms. But I rarely heard that the employees in the hi-tech company go to the gym in their working hours. It would be very enjoyable if I could go swimming and then have some coffee in my working hours.

[asterix]

I believe those are the kind of things that we are talking about. You should suggest to your company that this would be a good idea. Many IT professionals work very long hours, so the company is getting good value from them.

[bud]

Perhaps it is a tough call whether it should be quirks or perks. Certainly a quirk is a peculiar behaviour or habit, but it seems odd to my ear to say that quirks are somehow keeping employees happy. Maybe Asterix' quirky perks is best, as it captures the flavor of both words. It also rhymes, which seems to appeal to many English speakers.