20 Words Related to Work (Meaning & Example Sentences)

In the modern workplace, vocabulary evolves constantly, reflecting new trends and practices. While familiar terms like “employment” and “management” are well understood, there are numerous lesser-known words that capture unique aspects of work culture.

Exploring these terms can deepen our understanding of workplace dynamics and speak with confidence. Here are 20 intriguing work-related words that you might not know.

1. RECRUIT

Meaning: To enlist someone for a job or role
Example: We need to recruit a new designer soon.

2. WORKFORCE

Meaning: The employees engaged in or available for work
Example: Our workforce has doubled this year.

3. SKELETON STAFF

Meaning: The minimum number of workers needed
Example: Only skeleton staff work during holidays.

4. DISMISSAL

Meaning: Act of sending someone away; termination
Example: His dismissal was unexpected and abrupt.

5. OVERLOAD

Meaning: To be burdened with excessive work or information
Example: She felt overloaded with multiple deadlines.

6. ADVISER

Meaning: A person who gives advice professionally
Example: Our financial adviser suggested prudent investments.

7. GIG ECONOMY

Meaning: Market of short-term, flexible jobs
Example: He thrives in the gig economy.

8. OUTSOURCING

Meaning: Obtaining goods or services from external sources
Example: Outsourcing has cut our project costs.

9. TELECOMMUTING

Meaning: Working from a location outside the office
Example: She prefers telecommuting to daily commutes.

10. UP-SKILLING

Meaning: Learning additional skills to improve competency
Example: Up-skilling is vital for career progression.

11. BENCHMARKING

Meaning: Comparing processes and performance metrics to industry bests
Example: Benchmarking helps identify areas for improvement.

12. BRAINSTORMING

Meaning: Generating ideas or solutions as a group
Example: Brainstorming produced many innovative ideas.

13. DELEGATE

Meaning: To assign responsibilities to others
Example: He learned to delegate effectively.

14. HEADHUNTER

Meaning: Recruiter of highly skilled individuals
Example: A headhunter contacted him last week.

15. INDEMNIFY

Meaning: Compensate for harm or loss
Example: The contract will indemnify against damages.

16. ONBOARDING

Meaning: The process of integrating a new employee
Example: Onboarding starts on her first day.

17. PILOT PROGRAM

Meaning: Temporary test of a new initiative
Example: We’re starting a pilot program next month.

18. QUARTER

Meaning: A three-month period in a fiscal year
Example: Sales increased in the last quarter.

19. STAKEHOLDER

Meaning: A person with an interest in a business
Example: Stakeholders approved the new policy.

20. WHISTLEBLOWER

Meaning: A person reporting on illicit activities
Example: The whistleblower remained anonymous.

Words Related to Work