There is no doubt that once alien terms such as the two CCs (credit crunch and current climate) have now infiltrated into our everyday language. However research released today reveals that the no frills working associated with these times hasnít extended to office speak, with new irritating jargon creeping into offices nationwide. And for 2009 it has a distinct escapism theme.
As a bit of light-relief from the understandably sombre mood in offices across the UK, Office Angels, the UKís leading secretarial and office support recruitment consultancy, invited Facebook users to reveal the silly, cringe worthy and confusing jargon being bandied around UK offices. 2009 office jargon seems to be heading to far-away shores, with talk of ëclocking real mileageí and ëreaching the blue ocean of successí.
Wouldnít you want to pack your bags and hop on a plane if someone asked you in a meeting to get a ëhelicopter viewí?!
Whilst 2008 jargon was distinctly food for thought with terms such as ëtake a bite of the reality sandwichí or ëput an idea in the fridge to snack on laterí, 2009 office jargon has a distinctive outdoorsy feel, with fantasy travel imprinting on our office speak.
2009 Office Jargon that should be ëparked going forwardí:
1. The two CCís (credit crunch and current climate)
2. Clocking real mileage (a really strong idea)
3. A high altitude view (taking a step back)
4. Reaching the blue ocean of success (reaching a goal)
5. Get a helicopter view by turning 360 and then circling back to your colleagues (again, taking a step back)
6. Letís run that idea up the flag pole and see if it flies (try out an idea)
7. Picking the low-lying fruit (an oldie but back on the list this year – meaning a quick win)
8. Down to that level of granularity (meaning detail to you and I)
9. Letís touch base about that offline (have a chat face-to-face)
10. Feeling stressurised (under pressure and stress)
11. Strategic staircase (a plan for the future)
12. Better not let the grass grow too long on this one (act quickly)
Commenting on the findings from the research, David Clubb, Managing Director of Office Angels states: ìPeople may think they seem more professional by using office jargon, but my advice would be that nothing beats honesty and plain talking. Concentrate on communicating clearly to ensure everyone can work efficiently and prevent your colleagues from being baffled.î
The (blue) sky's the limit when it comes to extreme workplace buzzwords
Research reveals must-have office jargon for 2009
