Are you new to office culture and struggling to understand all the workplace jargon? Offices are infamous for using phrases that don’t always mean what they seem. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Understanding these common office expressions will help you navigate your workplace with confidence, whether you're interviewing for a job or already settling into a new role.
Here are twelve essential office phrases and what they really mean:
1. “We’re going through a transformation.”
This phrase signals major company changes—sometimes positive, but often involving layoffs and restructuring. If you’re new, this can feel unsettling. However, don’t panic or make assumptions about your role until you receive direct communication. While some employees may be let go, transformation can also create new opportunities for growth and advancement.
2. “Moving forward…”
This is a polite way of saying that changes need to happen from now on. It’s not about dwelling on past mistakes but rather about ensuring that a better approach is taken in the future. Take note and adjust accordingly.
3. “We are optimizing/restructuring/streamlining operations.”
These buzzwords often indicate organizational shifts, which may include layoffs. While it doesn’t necessarily mean job losses, it’s a sign that performance expectations are tightening. Stay proactive and demonstrate your value to the company.
4. “I just have a little constructive criticism for you…”
Your manager is about to offer feedback on areas where you need improvement. It’s not personal—view it as an opportunity to grow. Listen carefully, take notes, and implement changes quickly to enhance your performance.
5. “Put this on the backburner.”
When a task or project is deprioritized, it’s placed on the backburner. This doesn’t mean it’s gone forever—just that other tasks take precedence for now. Be prepared to revisit it later if needed.
6. “Elevator pitch.”
An elevator pitch is a concise and compelling summary of an idea, product, or business that can be delivered in the time it takes for a short elevator ride. Want to perfect yours? Check out our guide on how to craft an effective elevator pitch.
7. “This position is a stretch role.”
A “stretch role” requires you to take on responsibilities beyond the standard job description. While this can be challenging, it’s also a chance to develop new skills and advance your career. Before accepting, ask about time management expectations and how previous employees handled similar roles.
8. “This idea really has legs.”
If someone says this, they mean the idea is strong and has the potential to succeed. It’s a green light to push forward with implementation or further exploration.
9. “Low-hanging fruit.”
This phrase refers to easy wins—whether it’s an easily attainable client, a simple fix, or a quick business opportunity that doesn’t require much effort to achieve success.
10. “Let’s circle back on this.”
This phrase means that the topic will be revisited later. It’s often used when there isn’t enough time or information available to make a decision right away.
11. “Let’s take this offline.”
This is a way of saying that a conversation should be continued privately or at a later time, usually to avoid derailing a larger meeting or discussion.
12. “Touch base.”
When someone says they want to “touch base,” they mean they’d like to have a brief discussion or check-in about a specific topic, often to get a status update.
Now that you understand these essential office phrases, you’re better equipped to thrive in the workplace.
