Workplace jargon is causing confusion across generations, according to a survey of 2,000 UK office workers commissioned by instantprint.
The research found that 68% regularly hear workplace phrases they do not understand and 61% have pretended to understand jargon rather than ask for an explanation. Nearly one in five (18%) said unfamiliar language had caused them to misunderstand an instruction, while 12% said it had contributed to a mistake.
Employees described other effects on participation: 24% had felt excluded from a workplace conversation and 17% had avoided contributing to a meeting because they did not understand the terms being used. Some 44% said they had searched online for a phrase privately afterwards.
In a test of expressions used across age groups, 81% of Gen Z respondents recognised “rage applying”, compared with 29% of Baby Boomers. Conversely, 38% of Gen Z respondents understood “boil the ocean”. The study suggests that plain language and room to ask questions could help teams communicate more effectively.
Craig Wassell, Marketing Manager at instantprint, said in the emailed press release:
“Clear communication matters. Whether you are speaking to colleagues, customers or clients, the best message is one that people actually understand.”
The figures are from instantprint's survey of UK office workers and reflect respondents' reported experiences.
