11 Workplace Buzzwords of 2023 - and what they mean
0
minutes reading
∙
Blogg
March 19, 2023
A myriad of fresh terms have emerged to capture the essence of contemporary work culture, ranging from the intriguing concept of "rage applying" to the liberating notion of "Bare Minimum Monday."
The new (post-pandemic) work normal
As work attitudes are shifting and employees are adapting to a post-pandemic normal we enter a new era of the workplace. And as the landscape evolves, a myriad of fresh terms and buzzwords have emerged to capture the essence of contemporary work culture, ranging from the intriguing concept of "rage applying" to the liberating notion of "Bare Minimum Monday."
Join us as we delve into the realm of this year's most prominent workplace buzzwords of 2023.
Top 11 workplace buzzwords
- Copycat Layoffs: The concept of "copycat layoffs" refers to companies being influenced by one another as they cut jobs. Tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Zoom have laid off workers, following the trend that started in the second half of 2022. This behavior is attributed to imitation and the tendency to follow the actions of other companies.
- Rage Applying: "Rage applying" is the practice of mass applying for jobs driven by feelings of unhappiness or dissatisfaction at work. Despite its emotional motivation, it has the potential to lead to job offers. However, career coaches advise against conducting a job search from a place of fear, resentment, or burnout and recommend aligning job search strategies with personal values.
- Quiet Hiring: With companies cutting back on hiring due to recession fears, "quiet hiring" has emerged as a buzzword. It refers to focusing on internal talent and providing upskilling opportunities to existing employees to meet organizational needs. It also involved headhunting and search processes, basically what we have been focusing on at TB-Group since 2017. Prospective employees are advised to inquire about an employer's commitment to internal growth opportunities during the job interview process.
- Resenteeism: "Resenteeism" describes the act of staying in an unsatisfying job due to perceived limited options while experiencing growing resentment. It goes beyond the 2022 trend of quiet quitting as employees openly express their bitterness. Communication with managers about workplace issues is suggested before dissatisfaction escalates.
- Bare Minimum Monday: "Bare Minimum Monday" is a term that encourages resisting the pressure to start the week at full speed. It involves allowing oneself a relaxed start to the week, engaging in personal activities before work, and reducing the impact of the "Sunday scaries."
- Chaotic Working: "Chaotic working" or "malicious compliance" involves employees using their position to help customers or clients at the employer's expense. This is often in response to job dissatisfaction. It may entail breaking rules but is done without fear of repercussions. The practice may gain popularity as anti-work sentiments grow.
- Shift Shock: "Shift shock" refers to the experience of starting a job with excitement only to realize it doesn't meet expectations. This phenomenon, also known as new-hires' remorse, has become more significant in recent times. And workers are as one understands more likely to leave if they encounter such shock.
- Boomerang Employees: "Boomerang employees" are individuals who return to their previous employers during challenging times, such as layoffs or economic uncertainties. This trend has gained recognition due to factors like the "Great Resignation," quiet quitting, rage applying, and recent tech layoffs.
- Career Cushioning: "Career cushioning" or "recession-proofing" is the practice of preparing for potential layoffs by proactively searching for other job opportunities while still employed. Networking and being prepared for unexpected changes in the job market are considered wise strategies for employees in industries affected by layoffs.
- Algorithmic bias: There will be more pressure to get out ahead of new government regulations on privacy for companies that use AI and machine learning in their recruitment processes. This also applies for the vendors these companies rely on for the AI services. As more organizations start using AI in recruiting, the pressure and regulations regarding the ethical implications of these practices for diversity, inclusion and data privacy will increase.
- Gen Z skills gaps: workforce-wide erosion of social skills. The impact of pandemic-induced social isolation has been particularly harsh on young individuals. According to a recent survey, 46% of Gen Z employees expressed that the pandemic has made it more challenging for them to pursue their educational and career aspirations. Furthermore, a staggering 51% of respondents stated that their education has not adequately prepared them for entering the workforce. Consequently, Gen Z has missed out on vital soft skills development, including negotiation, networking, public speaking, and the ability to maintain social stamina and attentiveness during long hours of in-person work. However, it is not solely Gen Z that has been affected. The heightened levels of burnout, exhaustion, and career uncertainty experienced during the pandemic have had a detrimental impact on overall performance.
External sources if you’d like to read more:
https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/9-future-of-work-trends-for-2023
https://www.nsls.org/blog/how-the-pandemic-impacted-gen-z-soft-skills
