✂️ Workplace Phrases We Need to Ditch

Hola, HR Leaders! 😊 Tired of “synergy” and “circle back”? Time to say goodbye to buzzwords that make eyes roll. Clear, simple language wins this year. Here’s how to clean up workplace speak.

On today’s agenda:

✂️ Workplace phrases worth retiring

🧑‍🏫 Prove learning ROI

💪 Veterans’ AI advantage

THE HR SPOTLIGHT

✂️ Buzzwords Be Gone: Workplace Phrases to Retire in 2026

Ever cringe at “circle back” or “synergy”? These overused phrases aren’t just annoying; they can muddle communication and even confuse candidates. 2026 is the year to speak clearly and cut the corporate fluff.

🗣️ The Situation - Believe it or not, workplace jargon can hurt employee morale and even collaboration, according to a 2025 study. On top of that, cringeworthy phrases in job ads also deter top talent as they make job descriptions vague.

Employees and leaders alike are calling for clearer, more direct language to reduce confusion and eye rolls in daily interactions. 

🛠️ What HR Can Do - Start retiring tired terms in your templates and hiring materials by replacing them with specific, actionable language that tells people exactly what you mean. 

• “Circle back” → “Follow up by [date]”: Give clarity on next steps.

• “Pivot” → “Change direction to [specific task/goal]”: Be precise about what’s shifting.

• “Deep dive” → “Review in detail”: Replace jargon with plain language.

• “Wear many hats” → “Responsible for [specific tasks]”: Define expectations clearly.

• “Synergy” → “Collaborate with [team/person]”: Show exactly how teams should work together.

Clear, human language improves engagement, speeds decision-making, and signals that your organization values transparency over fluff — small tweaks with big cultural payoff.

📍 More Workplace Phrases Worth Retiring »

FLASH VOTE

TOGETHER WITH ISPRING

🧑‍🏫 Prove Learning Value Before It’s Questioned [Free Webinar]

🧑‍🔧 Workforce Re-Entry Grants 2026 — Financial News

• What’s unfolding: The U.S. Labor Dept. is offering $81M in grants to help formerly incarcerated people gain training and employment in skilled trades and apprenticeships.

• Why it matters: HR can expand talent pools and support diversity by partnering with reentry programs, filling labor gaps while advancing CSR goals.

• What’s unfolding: Veterans’ leadership and problem-solving skills position them well for AI-resistant roles like cybersecurity and healthcare.

• Why it matters: HR can tap veteran talent to address shortages in growth fields and build future-resilient teams.

• What’s unfolding: Rapid AI adoption is increasing employee stress and burnout as fears of job loss rise.

• Why it matters: HR must support resilience, frame AI positively, and encourage open dialogue to reduce fear and maintain engagement.

WEEKLY GOODY

COMPLIANCE CORNER

• What’s unfolding: The DOJ sued UCLA, alleging it allowed a hostile work environment for Jewish and Israeli employees by failing to address harassment complaints.

• HR implications: HR must enforce anti-harassment policies swiftly and document investigations carefully to avoid legal and reputational risk.

• What’s unfolding: A U.S. Forest Service employee sued the USDA, alleging age discrimination under federal law.

• HR implications: Employers should review age bias protections, performance documentation, and complaint procedures to reduce exposure.

🔍 DOL Reconsiders Contractor Rule – NatLaw Review

• What’s unfolding: The DOL proposed rescinding the 2024 contractor rule and reverting to a stricter classification test; comments are open through April 28, 2026.

• HR implications: HR should audit contractor classifications now and prepare for potential compliance shifts.

BREAKROOM

📬 Missed Wednesday’s issue on ‘Skill Gaps You’ll Feel by Q3’? Read it »