When was the last time you rolled your eyes at an email filled with corporate jargon?
If the answer is “today” or “this week”, you are not alone: people are fed up with work jargon. You can hear the collective exasperated sigh of employees online as videos and tweets poking fun at overused phrases like “on my last email” and “go back” garner millions of likes.
According to a recent Slack study, 63% of employees find it “unpleasant” when colleagues use workplace jargon in their communications, and 78% reported refraining from talking or texting to avoid using jargon. The report is based on responses from 2,000 remote and hybrid workers in the US in January.
However, while employees hate such clichés, 89% admitted to relying on work jargon when talking to clients, managers, and colleagues to “sound more professional” or “keep up the office norms.”
Here are the five most annoying workplace jargon to avoid, according to Slack, and tips for improving communication at work:
‘AS SOON AS POSSIBLE’
Why is this annoying: “As soon as possible” is problematic because it “communicates urgency without clarity,” Jaime DeLange, senior director of product management at Slack, tells CNBC Make It. The word “as soon as possible” also has a different meaning for everyone: for you it can mean the end of the week, but for your boss it can mean the end of the day, which can aggravate stress and delay work.
What to say instead: Select a specific date or time. For example, career coach Emily Liou recommends writing, “Can I get this before the EOD?” in a request to someone – that way the recipient can respond with a more realistic timeline if needed, and you “avoid frustration on both sides,” she adds.
‘Keep me posted’
Why is this annoying: Like “as soon as possible,” DeLange said the phrase lacks clarity about expectations. It can also seem redundant or imply a lack of trust, especially in managerial relationships: “You don’t want to sound like a helicopter mom,” DeLange warns.
What to say instead: Set parameters for how often you and the person you are communicating with should meet or talk about the topic, including specific action words or measurable metrics. For example, DeLange suggests saying, “Please tell me date X or when milestone X is reached.”
‘Team player’
Why is this annoying: According to DeLange, even if it’s meant as a compliment, telling someone they’re a “team player” or asking someone to “be a team player” can seem passive-aggressive or directive. As we continue to work through the pandemic, workers have also faced a lot of stress and unexpected challenges, and comments like this may sound like they encourage overwork.
What to say instead: There are plenty of other encouraging phrases to express appreciation for a colleague, says Liu. She recommends saying, “I appreciate you!” or “I’m so glad you’re part of this team.”
“Give it 110%”
Why is this annoying: “Who can give 110% at their job right now? A lot of people have already exhausted their options,” DeLange says, noting the surge in layoffs and mental health issues we are facing. “Hearing this can be especially frustrating, like you’re not working hard enough,” she adds.
What to say instead: Liu says it’s better to use inclusive or motivating language that protects the individual or team. Phrases like “Let’s do our best,” “We can do it,” and “You crush him” are more positive alternatives.
“Just checking”
Why is this annoying: “Just checking in” is probably one of the most popular phrases in our work jargon, but it can sometimes sound like “passive-aggressive,” notes De Lange. “It can almost mean a ‘pre-failure’ feeling, like, ‘Hey, I’m just checking in because you haven’t let me know what’s going on yet,'” she adds.
What to say instead: If you’re looking for a task progress update, Liu suggests asking directly: say “I’ve been thinking about you” or “Can I get a progress update?” You can also try: “How are you?”
Slack also found that employees clearly preferred more casual, concise communication, sometimes using emoji or GIFs. Respondents said that communicating through emoji and GIFs made work more fluid, friendly, and inclusive, as well as helping them feel more authentic about their work.
The biggest recommendation DeLange offers is to ask your colleagues what their communication preferences are. “The way we work with each other has changed, and adapting our styles has become a sign of basic respect in the workplace,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask to communicate differently or take the initiative to make sure you’re the best correspondent with your peers.
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