As internal communications (IC) and HR professionals continue to navigate the evolving workplace, new business terms have emerged in response to changes like remote work, hybrid teams, and digital transformation.
Here’s a quick guide to 30 key terms that have gained traction since the pandemic and what they mean for the future of work.
1. Zoom Fatigue – Exhaustion from prolonged virtual meetings and video conferencing sessions.
2. Digital Body Language – Non-verbal cues like response time, emojis, and tone in digital communication.
3. Asynchronous Communication – Messaging or collaboration that doesn’t require all parties to be present at the same time.
4. Work-Life Integration – A flexible approach where personal and professional life blend, replacing work-life balance.
5. Flex Work – A work structure that allows employees to choose when and where they work.
6. Proximity Bias – The tendency to favor employees who work in-office over those who work remotely.
7. Employee Well-Being – A focus on physical, mental, and emotional health in the workplace, beyond just productivity.
8. Remote-first – A strategy where remote work is prioritized and office attendance is optional or secondary.
9. Hybrid Work Model – A work setup combining in-office and remote work to offer employees flexibility.
10. Virtual Onboarding – The process of integrating new employees into a company entirely through digital platforms.
11. Quiet Quitting – The act of doing the bare minimum at work without formally resigning.
12. Talent Marketplace – A platform within an organization where employees can find and apply for internal projects or roles.
13. Workplace Culture 2.0 – The new set of cultural norms emerging from a hybrid or remote work environment.
14. Digital-first Communication – Prioritizing online communication tools (e.g., Slack, Teams) over traditional in-person meetings.
15. Workplace Experience (WX) – The overall experience employees have within a digital or physical workplace.
16. Collaborative Intelligence – The capability of teams to work together seamlessly across digital platforms.
17. Employee Advocacy – When employees promote their company’s brand or mission externally through social media or networks.
18. Reskilling – Training employees to gain new skills that prepare them for future roles within the organization.
19. Digital Transformation – The process of integrating digital technology into all areas of business operations and communication.
20. People Analytics – Using data-driven insights to inform decisions about employee engagement, retention, and performance.
21. Microlearning – Delivering content in small, focused segments that fit into employees' schedules.
22. Techquity – Ensuring equitable access to technology for all employees, regardless of their location.
23. DEIB – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, a broader framework emphasizing inclusivity in workplace practices.
24. Gig Economy – The growing trend of short-term, contract-based work as opposed to full-time employment.
25. Employee Experience (EX) – The sum of an employee’s experiences at work, influenced by culture, environment, and technology.
26. Shadow IT – The use of software, devices, and applications without official company approval or knowledge.
27. Cross-functional Collaboration – Teams from different departments working together toward common goals using digital platforms.
28. Digital Fatigue – Burnout or stress resulting from constant exposure to digital tools and online communication.
29. Stay Interviews – Conversations between employees and managers focused on retention and addressing potential concerns before they become resignation reasons.
30. Culture Carrier – Employees who actively embody and promote the company’s culture in a remote or hybrid setting.
Understanding these terms is crucial for IC and HR pros as you work to support a dynamic workforce. Adapting to new modes of communication, maintaining engagement, and fostering an inclusive culture across both physical and virtual spaces will be key for future success.
By staying up to date on these new business terms, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the evolving workplace and ensure your internal communications are both effective and inclusive.
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