2023 is here, and layoffs are already making news. You might have heard some terms like moonlighting and quiet quitting. To keep you on top of work-related trends, we crafted a list of some brand-new buzzwords that are taking the world by storm. It’s time to embrace the new lingo of the working world.
With WFH (work from home) and WFA (work from anywhere) now a permanent part of our lives, it’s crucial to know what’s what in this brave new world of work. Every once in a while, something new comes up in the jargon world. All thanks to TikTok and Instagram, where work culture inspires new words we’ve never witnessed before.
So, let’s get ready to show off remote working smarts to the millions of remote workers who’ve embraced the freedom of working from anywhere. Buckle up, folks; it’s time to take the remote working world by storm!
Popular Work Buzzwords
Many new short forms and phrases enter the workforce every month, but only a few make it to a lifetime trend. The following are the fortunate ones that are now being used widely. So let’s take a look at them!
1. Proximity bias
Get ready to add some serious swag to your office lingo, folks! Here’s a buzzword that’s been making waves since the pandemic lifted and people started trickling back to their cubicles – Proximity bias. It sounds like a cool superpower, doesn’t it? But hold your horses because this one’s a little more tricky.
Picture this – you’re working from the comfort of your couch, sipping your morning coffee, and enjoying the silence. Suddenly, you receive an email from your boss about a new project. As you read through it, you realize that your boss has assigned the project to someone who works in the office. Wait, what? Why wasn’t it assigned to you, you wonder?
That, my friend, is the proximity bias in action. It’s a phenomenon that happens when people unconsciously prefer those who are physically closer to them. And with the rise of remote work, this bias has been causing major headaches for those who choose to work from the comfort of their homes.
So, the next time someone tells you that working from home isn’t as productive as being in the office, remind them of the proximity bias and watch their jaws drop!
2. Quiet Quitting
Step aside, slackers! Say hello to the new trend in the office – Quiet Quitting. This buzzword is all about taking a step back from the hustle and bustle of work life and instead focusing on doing exactly what you’re paid to do, no more and no less.
Think of it as the middle ground between working yourself to exhaustion and being a lazy couch potato. It’s about finding a balance between work and personal life and making sure that you’re putting in just the right amount of effort to get the job done.
Quiet Quitting also has a twin buzzword that has made its way to the top of the office chatter – Lying Flat. This concept, which has its roots in the Chinese phrase’ tang ping’, is all about taking it slow, avoiding burnout, and enjoying a more relaxed life.
Therefore, when someone asks you why you’re only putting in your contracted hours, just tell them you’re embracing the Quiet Quitting lifestyle. If they still don’t understand, tell them to lie flat and enjoy a little break from the office drama.
3. Moonlighting
Moonlighting, or being a “double agent” at work, is the new norm for the modern-day worker. These overachievers are taking on side hustles and even full-time jobs on the side to make ends meet, all without breaking a sweat or spilling the beans to their boss.
But it’s not just in India where moonlighting is taking off; the trend is catching on in the US as well, where a whole community has been established to support these hardworking individuals.
So, what does this mean for the future of work? It seems like the traditional 9-to-5 is becoming a thing of the past, and being “over-employed” is now considered a badge of honor. And, with remote work becoming increasingly popular, the possibilities for moonlighting are almost endless.
Imagine being able to work on your passion project during the day and then switch gears to your day job at night. It’s like having your cake and eating it too! But beware, this trend may not be for the faint of heart. Moonlighters are a breed apart, balancing multiple jobs with ease and always ready for a new challenge.
Moreover, moonlighting has been an issue of firing employees in various big tech companies. The layoffs were instant, and this was because people working for more than two companies could not be loyal to both. Further, their performance decreases drastically, which no company would want. So, it’s a “proceed with caution” category of work.
4. Frolleagues
Ahoy there, my fellow office warriors! You know what people say, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” And that’s exactly what happened when the pandemic hit, and work moved to a remote setting. No more office banter, water cooler chitchats, or birthday celebrations. We all were far away from our “frolleagues.” But what is a frolleague?
Imagine having not just colleagues but friends at work. People who understand you, make you laugh, and have your back. It’s like having your little support group in the office. That’s what a frolleague is – a friend and colleague, all in one.
And the best part? Studies show that people who have “frolleagues” are more productive and satisfied with their work.
So go ahead, make that colleague who always cracks the same joke your friend. Bond over your shared love for cats or conspiracy theories and watch work becoming a lot more fun and enjoyable.
5. The New 90-day Rule
Are you tired of watching your hard-won hires walk out the door just 90 days into their tenure? Welcome to the club! But fear not, the solution to this all-too-common problem is here: the “90-day rule”.
This buzzword is taking the recruitment world by storm, and for a good reason. It’s seen that if a company can hang onto an employee for the first three months, they’re likely to stick around for a whole lot longer.
That’s why companies are now putting a spotlight on onboarding, with programs that pair new hires with seasoned employees and bonus structures that reward longevity after the 90-day mark.
It’s a win-win for everyone involved. The employee gets a chance to feel supported and valued, while the company benefits from a more stable workforce.
6. Chief Remote Officer
Say hello to the new sheriff in town! The Chief Remote Officer (CRO) is the latest addition to the corporate hierarchy and is here to take remote work to the next level.
With the pandemic forcing companies to adopt a hybrid work model, the CRO is responsible for ensuring the remote aspect of work runs like a well-oiled machine. 94% of IT companies in the US have already made the shift to hybrid. Therefore, adding a CRO on board can make them expect the remote aspect to be even more effective.
Moreover, if you’re a home warrior, keep an eye out on the recruitment drives of many big names in the industries. Various companies will soon be hiring for Chief Remote Officer positions, so try your luck.
7. Productivity Paranoia
“Productivity paranoia” – a buzzword birthed by Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella. He observes the remote work culture has sparked a fear of decreased productivity among companies.
However, employees report feeling more productive working from the comfort of their own homes. This a classic case of “what the boss thinks” vs. “what the employee feels.”
This “productivity paranoia” is not a new concept fundamentally, but its existence in the form of words and meaning took place recently. Now, when we talk of it, most companies are taking this phenomenon very seriously because people now prefer working remotely. The growth of coworking is also supporting the remote work culture, but companies fear losing performance over an extended period, thus, fueling productivity paranoia!
8. It’s Time for “Quiet Hiring”
Get ready for the future of work because “Quiet Hiring” is coming to town! This top work trend is the IT industry’s answer to “Quiet Quitting.” Think of it as acquiring new skills without adding to your headcount.
With “Quiet Hiring,” you can keep your existing employees engaged and upskilled without hiring new full-time employees. Want to know how it’s done? Here’s what the experts say: focus on internal talent mobility, stretch and upskilling opportunities, and alternate approaches like leveraging alum networks and gig workers.
This innovative approach to talent acquisition allows companies to address the ever-evolving organizational needs cost-effectively and flexibly.
Conclusion
Here you have it, the all-new buzzwords in the town! Now, you don’t have to be a corporate guru to stay ahead of the game. Just remember these key phrases, and you’ll be able to navigate the remote working world like a pro!
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start using these words to rock the remote work world and make your mark! Also, do let us know which one you like the most.
