Top Annoying Work Phrases People Want to Stop Hearing

In the fast-paced and often confusing world of business, corporate language can sometimes be a source of frustration. The use of buzzwords and phrases, commonly known as "corporate speak," can be a double-edged sword. When used properly, they can aid in communication and enhance the speaker's credibility. However, when used poorly or incorrectly, they can have the opposite effect. It's common for anyone working in the business world to encounter certain words and expressions, no matter how fluent they are in the language.

Preply Business conducted a survey of 1,550 people working in offices or remotely across all 50 states. They aimed to determine the most annoying work terms. On average, the respondents were 38 years old. 54% identified as male, 45% as female, and 1% as non-binary. The participants had different levels of education, from bachelor's degree holders to people with a doctorate.

According to the study, it has been revealed that the most disliked work terms are "WIN-WIN," "Culture," "Circle back," and "Give 110%." In work meetings, certain expressions can be frustrating to understand, as pointed out in the study. Especially in a group setting where it's more difficult to verify if you've grasped the meaning correctly. Written communication, such as emails or internal memos, often use abbreviations or acronyms for speed, though they can be confusing if taken literally. For instance, "MOM" refers to the minutes of the meeting, and "POC" refers to the point of contact.

The survey found that one in five people dislike corporate buzzwords because they hear them so often. An overwhelming 85% of workers report hearing such terms at least once a week, with 40% hearing them once daily.

The study highlights the benefits of using business jargon in the workplace such as improving efficiency, clarity, and credibility while saving time.

See what else the study uncovered here.