Chris BeckIf you have worked in an office, you’ve probably heard some interesting terms around your cubicle or meeting room. Whether you’re talking about a company’s scalability, or thinking outside the box for new business ideas, office jargon is a growing component of corporate culture. In a business culture, we have unique ways of dressing, interacting, and communicating, to the point where there is a specific office language! Every business differs, but you are sure to hear at lease a few common sayings floating around the workspace. Even though it is common, however, don’t expect to use or hear it consistently. Read on to learn more about some touch points on office jargon etiquette.
Imagine walking around your town, and you hear someone speaking only in slang terms. “Yaaaas bae, your eyebrows are on fleek!” Sounds ridiculous, right? Nobody would truly form these sentences and think to be taken seriously. This is the same with office jargon. “Don’t worry boss, I have all hands on deck, and my team is pulling the oars to power through, drill down on the issue, and think out of the box for a solution. We’ll have our ducks in a row by the end of the quarter!” This scenario isn’t any better than speaking strictly in slang terms. By using office jargon in excess, you run the risk of sounding both unprofessional and confusing to those who may not be well-versed in the terms. Be sure to use these terms in moderation in order to reduce miscommunication.
When used in moderation, office jargon can prove to be useful. Peppering in these terms can lead to efficient communication on the workplace. For example, instead of saying, “This project idea is not dependent on season, time of year, or event,” you could shorten it to say, “This project idea is evergreen.” Using jargon can also sound more professional if used properly. “Tabling a conversation” sounds more effective and professional than asking to postpone talking about a topic. Even though the two phrases have the same meaning, one is more likely to have a positive outcome. Lastly, using office jargon allows a company to feel connected in their company culture. Learning these phrases will allow you to understand and communicate efficiently with coworkers, which will increase relationships and productivity within the office.
Next time you’re talking with your team, be sure that all hands are on deck, and that everyone is on the same page in terms of how and when to use these phrases. The key is moderation, and making sure conversation is high-level. That is, conversation should be easily understandable for all audiences! Take this topic off-line, and take a look the new infographic from Pens.com get you up to speed on your office jargon!
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