Language at work: Our unwanted words 2021

Sorry, that's still the old hand

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to disembodiment. Masks cover faces and hide facial expressions, hugs are out anyway. And those who meet for work bend gently or briefly hit fists, feet or elbows against each other. In any case, many real meetings will continue to be replaced by video conferences. What is lacking in physique elsewhere, however, comes across unpleasant again and again in the screen conversations. It is a blessing that participants can speak up there by stretching their hand digitally. But if the previous speaker has already brought the argument and the conference system reacts too slowly again, it can get tough. Especially when the microphone is still muted. Anyone who is then called, but has nothing more to say or wants to say, gladly replies a sentence,reminiscent of “yesterday's news”, only more macabre: “Sorry, that's still the old hand.” It is really time for everyone to see each other face to face again, to shake old and perhaps new hands and to have discussions with “Has done! ”don't stay any longer.

Multi-space office

It sounds like a new departure, like - in this design - something that has never been seen before. A new innovation, the room planners overturn and drive the white mold through the chic working world. What is meant is old hat, employer-friendly, because it is inexpensive and space-saving, namely the medium-sized, old open-plan office. Admittedly, it is upgraded, the furniture is tasteful and modern, it looks homely, the eye works with it. . ., but none of this hides the fact that people have to work and concentrate in the midst of a larger group of people. Does every brain worker who ponder highly complex topics want to sit in the multi-space or with itchy headphones instead of just closing the door? Since multitasking is such inefficient nonsense.Does he really want to retire to the work box in the bustling "marketplace", which is also often talked about in terms of fashion? Or does he want his individual office back? Close the door, done. In order not to get lonely, a cozy common room is enough. So if so, please also talk about the open-plan office. Doesn't sound tingly, but honestly.

Holistic

Anyone who wants to appear young, modern and future-oriented as an employer can hardly avoid a certain vocabulary. At the same time, the world of work cannot be completely rethought overnight or even turned inside out. But at least the wording (another Denglish non-word from the professional context), i.e. the way a company presents itself to the outside world as uniformly as possible, should suggest that there are no slave drivers at work here. For example, those who regard their employees or company management as “holistic” will see them as “holistic” following the Greek origin of the word. As nice as that sounds bland, there is often so much hot air behind it. Because: Anyone who understands his workforce as people who on the one hand do not only live for work alone,but also have a private life and prefer different speeds and modes in their daily activities and even appreciate being able to organize their working hours flexibly and independently; who ensures that his employees feel comfortable in their work environment, because that can inspire mind and body; Anyone who promotes good cooperation instead of employing lone fighters has not reinvented the wheel of the beautiful new world of work. He may just be pretending.instead of drawing on lone fighters: he didn't reinvent the wheel of the beautiful new world of work. He may just be pretending.instead of drawing on lone fighters: he didn't reinvent the wheel of the beautiful new world of work. He may just be pretending.