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.
