‘Ghost Jobs’ & ‘Monk Mode’ | The Viral Workplace Buzzwords Every HR Leader Should Know

Following the trends of ‘quiet quitting’ and ‘The Great Resignation’, thousands of Reddit and TikTok conversations were studied to identify patterns feeding workplace behaviors, with 11 brand-new expressions being uncovered.

The Top 11 Viral Workplace Expressions Rippl Found:

1. Acting Your Wage: Putting in the considered appropriate amount of effort for the wage you earn.
2. Monk Mode: Undergoing intense periods of uninterrupted focus and shutting out all external distractions to optimize productivity.
3. Performance Punishment: Being overloaded with colleagues’ work because you can take on more and operate above expectations.
4. Loud Suffering: Publicly sharing how busy you are, and how close you are to ‘burnout’, all in the hope of getting a pay rise.
5. Fake Happy: Putting on a happy face in the corporate environment whilst hiding true exhaustion.
6. Woliday: Spending your annual leave working.
7. Interview Insanity: A long and strenuous interview process that doesn’t include any updates or feedback.
8. Office Peacocking: When employers make their offices more attractive, hoping to entice employees back post-pandemic.
9. Ghost Jobs: Companies that post about jobs that don’t actually exist to make the organization appear as though it’s thriving.
10. Quitting Guilt: Feeling guilty for quitting an unhealthy work environment and leaving colleagues behind.
11. Interview Post-Mortems: A ‘grave’ term for post-interview debriefs.

Can Buzzwords Help HR Keep Up with Employee Sentiment?

Chris Brown, CEO at Rippl, comments: “The world of HR moves incredibly quickly, bringing with it new viral terms and trends. Being able to keep up with these is really important for UK businesses, enabling them to understand how employees are feeling, where the gaps are in safeguarding their wellbeing and taking action to maximize and retain their teams.

“What’s most concerning about the latest trends identified here is the overall feeling of negativity arising from across the entire employee lifecycle – from interview to exit. This suggests employers need to do more to proactively create a candidate and employee environment that not only authentically values talent but ensures their experience is seen and heard so the workplace evolves with the wider, fast-changing landscape.

“Prioritizing a culture of recognition and offering employee benefits is just one key way that companies can deliver on their commitment to staff wellbeing, not only improving their sense of belonging but also prioritizing employee mental health.”

Buzzwords – A Help or Hindrance to HR?

The list of buzzwords and catchphrases that have joined the HR dictionary in recent years could stretch longer than this article itself, if we were to list them all. The matters they define are nothing new, but these trendy phrases are increasingly being used to wrap up workplace issues and make them more… LinkedIn-chic.

It’s no surprise then, that many professionals consider such terms reductive, oversimplifying the nuanced realities of workplace dynamics into catchy soundbites. Some critics argue that such phrases sensationalize routine workplace phenomena, making them seem novel or alarming.

However, while it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of these terms, they also serve a vital function: distilling complex issues into accessible language, fostering broader understanding and engagement with critical HR topics.

The Impact of Buzzwords on Workplace Culture

Buzzwords can significantly influence workplace culture, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, they can create a shared language that helps employees feel connected and understood. For example, terms like “Monk Mode” can encourage employees to prioritize deep work and minimize distractions, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

On the negative side, buzzwords can sometimes mask deeper issues within the workplace. For instance, “Performance Punishment” highlights a real problem where high-performing employees are burdened with extra work without additional compensation or recognition. If not addressed, this can lead to burnout and high turnover rates.

How HR Leaders Can Leverage Buzzwords

HR leaders can leverage buzzwords to their advantage by using them as a starting point for deeper conversations about workplace culture and employee wellbeing. Here are a few strategies:

1. Listen and Observe: Pay attention to the buzzwords that are trending among your employees. This can provide valuable insights into their experiences and concerns.
2. Facilitate Open Discussions: Create forums where employees can discuss these buzzwords and what they mean to them. This can help HR leaders understand the underlying issues and address them proactively.
3. Implement Targeted Interventions: Use the insights gained from these discussions to implement targeted interventions that address specific issues. For example, if “Loud Suffering” is a common theme, consider implementing mental health support programs and promoting a healthier work-life balance.
4. Promote a Positive Culture: Encourage the use of positive buzzwords that promote a healthy and productive work environment. For example, terms like “Monk Mode” can be used to promote focused work periods, while “Acting Your Wage” can highlight the importance of fair compensation.

The Future of Workplace Buzzwords

As the workplace continues to evolve, new buzzwords will undoubtedly emerge. HR leaders must stay ahead of these trends to understand and address the changing needs of their employees. By doing so, they can create a more supportive and engaging work environment that attracts and retains top talent.

In conclusion, while buzzwords can sometimes be seen as trivial or reductive, they play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture and employee sentiment. By understanding and leveraging these terms, HR leaders can gain valuable insights into their employees’ experiences and take proactive steps to improve their wellbeing and job satisfaction.