Often when I’m doing research in the world of workplace strategy, I come across the latest (and silliest?) buzz words and phrases. Workplace slang that typically describes employee angst, a resistance to in-office work and sometimes, a distaste for work in general. Other times they are comical idioms for different employer strategies. As a twist on this month’s blog, I thought I would compile a list with definitions for your information and (maybe more so) your entertainment.
Coffee Badging – people showing up to a physical workspace simply to swipe their I.D. Badge, maybe grab a cup of coffee, and then leave.
Hey Hanging – when a boss, co-worker or client messages you something along the lines of “hey – call me” with no further details.
Lazy Girl Jobs – non-technical remote roles that pay decent, minimize coworker interaction and allow a significant level of flexibility.
NATO Applying – “not attached to the outcome“—is an attitude that some job seekers are using when they don’t have a strong interest in the position they’re applying for, making them feel more empowered.
Office Peacocking – employers enhancing the workplace with attractive features and amenities to bring employees back to the office as Return-To-Office (RTO) mandates come into play.
Productivity Theater – engaging in behaviors that aren’t terribly productive but give the appearance of working hard.
Quiet Cutting – a strategy used by employers to encourage employees to leave without the negative publicity and the financial consequences of layoffs.
Quiet Hiring– giving current employees more responsibilities beyond their current job description without a raise or promotion.
Rage Applying – when frustrated employees apply to every job listing that they can find.
Resenteeism – when employees show up to work physically, but mentally, they’re elsewhere.
Shadow Policies – decisions by managers allowing employees to work remotely even when the company’s official policy requires them to be in the office.
Vampire Tasks – repetitive, tedious activities that kill people’s productivity.
I’m certain there are more out there (likely on TikTok), but these are some of the more amusing ones that have been published by reputable sources like Forbes and The New York Times. Most of the phrases on this list skew to the negative side, with one exception: Office Peacocking. Enhancing your workspace for your employees to create a space they want to be? Now this is a concept I can get behind (well, and I do, on a daily basis).
What I would say about effective Office Peacocking is that it’s more than just amenities and aesthetics. People are working very differently post-pandemic and need an environment that supports this new way of working. Seamless technology integration plays a significant role. Collaboration areas are a top priority. Another key factor? Variety. Employees now desire choice beyond a standard workstation. It’s important to provide a mix of individual work points, paying attention to how your team works best.
Of course, the optimal solution for your workspace is a custom solution designed for your business. It’s about understanding what your employees need and why they use the office. Not only will your team feel valued knowing the office was designed with their needs in mind, but they’ll be more likely to come in…and hopefully less likely to rage apply to your competition.
Need help formulating your workplace strategy? Contact Sarah