A sound understanding of popular Business jargon and ‘buzzwords’ used in business today or put in another way in the New World of Work, can save us from feeling like we are ‘too old school’, ‘left out of the loop’ and ‘living in the Dark Ages’.  Whether learning how to do your job more effectively or knowing when to pause a topic of conversation during a meeting, gaining a better understanding of the common workplace lingo used in the modern workplace will help us to better communicate, understand the latest trends and thrive in business.  Post-pandemic, some of the buzzwords used today are completely new, while others have been around for a lot longer but have only recently caught on.

What is business jargon?

Essentially, Business Jargon refers to a whole host of words and phrases used by business employees to communicate with each other in getting their jobs done.  While most of these words or terms can be replaced with other synonyms as it were, this ‘language’ as such has become so popular that it is almost second nature for many people. 

Let’s learn how to ‘talk the talk’

Now that we have a basic idea of what business jargon entails, here are some of the most common terms used in business today and what they actually mean.

Reach out

Businesses use the term “reach out” to describe the act of communicating with or contacting other individuals or companies, usually via email or over the phone. 

Quiet Quitting

“Quiet Quitting” is possibly one of the most highly debated and yet hugely significant new buzzwords that have kicked in.  To some, this term implies resistance, rebellion, or even complete non-compliance.  Yet, what it actually refers to is the actions of an employee that involve doing the bare minimum in terms of fulfilling their job responsibilities without going the extra mile over and above that.

Waist-up Fashion

Those who have spent the past three years either working from home or engaged in Zoom meetings as opposed to regular face-to-face interactions will completely identify with this term.  It is used to define the dress code of dressing in a professional manner from the waist up only, where everyone can only see the top half of you when you are engaged in meetings via video platforms such as Zoom or Teams.  From the waist down, you can still wear your pyjamas and slippers that no one can see.

Talent Retention

Post-pandemic, both human resources practitioners and hiring managers alike began to reassess their expectations of what a job function entails against what employees can deliver.  Wage incentives were no longer the only effective means of ensuring employee loyalty.   “Talent Retention” therefore refers to seeking new ways and means to keep employees inspired and motivated to enhance business performance.

Bleeding Edge

Stemming from the term “cutting edge”, “bleeding edge” is used to describe an innovative product or service.

In the loop

When someone is being kept ‘in the loop’ this refers to them being privy to important information regarding a particular subject or when working on a project.

Boil the ocean

The term ‘boil the ocean’ is used to describe an action, task, or project that consistently wastes time.

Acting your wage

“Acting your wage” goes hand in hand with “quiet quitting” and refers to the financial compensation an employee receives weighed against support for their psychological safety, well-being and general treatment they receive in the workplace.  It essentially involves limiting the amount of effort made towards fulfilling job responsibilities.

Upskilling

Over and above job title, salary, or work flexibility, over the past few years, the trend has shifted towards employees making it abundantly clear that engagement and continuous learning are essential components that drive motivation.  With advances in technology and the adoption of new workplace technologies happening at an exponential rate, the spotlight is on employees seeking more training and upskilling opportunities than ever.

Lots of moving parts

Organisations use the term “lots of moving parts” to describe a business or system that has many departments, processes, and employees.

Blue sky thinking

“Blue sky thinking” is an expression used to explain the process of intense creative problem-solving and the innovation of new ideas.

Key takeaways

“Key takeaways” refer to those important or relevant points or areas of interest stemming from a meeting or presentation.

Game changer

The term ‘game changer’ is now a common phrase used to describe a significant change to a project or company that improves business results.

Gain traction

When an idea or project ‘gains traction’ this refers to the fact that it has bedded down, been accepted, or become effective or popular.

Aha moment

An “aha moment” is used to describe the experience of receiving an important revelation.

Hard hitter or quiet quitter?

Whether you are a seasoned employee, a graduate or you are working your way up the corporate ladder, it is nevertheless still critical that you understand the impact you make on others in the workplace.  The correct use of today’s workplace lingo is critical.  Is your behaviour that of someone who is a “hard hitter” when it comes to getting things done or are you simply a “quiet quitter” who is merely doing the bare minimum to stay employed?

Reference sources: www.adeccogroup.com

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