Laura Bailey, senior lecturer in English language and linguistics at the University of Kent, says the shift toward a more causal tone goes hand in hand with the emergence of workplace messaging platforms.

That age group still prefers email, saying this method feels more professional. Nearly half (49%) of Gen Z, for example, often use instant messaging platforms at work, whereas just 27% of those aged over 55 do so. The changes aren't just affecting what is being said, but also how things are being communicated. And 'hiya' was viewed as friendly by 42%, but as over-familiar by 26%. Other more causal phrases, however, were deemed to be more divisive - simply going with the short from for thank you, 'ta!' was considered over-familiar by 29% of respondents, but friendly by 23%. Both 'thanks!' and 'thanks so much' were found to be increasingly popular, with 46% and 50% of respondents saying these were friendly responses. These phrases are already being replaced as Brits view the phrases as outdated. Signing off an email 'with compliments' or 'respects' were the fourth and fifth most likely to go extinct from office lingo. 'Yours truly', 'yours sincerely', and 'to whom it may concern' were the three phrases most likely to disappear from the workplace within the next decade, according to the report. Written communication is one of the impact areas, and some email sign offs could be replaced by more casual phrases, according to the data. 'Our research shows that the next generation are clearly going to make their mark on the workforce when it comes to how we communicate,' said Kirstie Mackey, head of Barclays LifeSkills. Nearly three-quarters (71%) of those surveyed credited younger workers with the change.

At first, 'give me the ick' was used by Gen Zers to refer to traits or habits that turned them off from a person they're dating, but now many are sharing 'icks' in all aspects of life.Gen Z, which is defined as people aged 18-24 for the purpose of Barclays' research, appears to be leading the shift. The term 'ick' has long been used to describe something gross or unpleasant, but it has taken on a new meaning thanks to a current trend on TikTok. Below is a list of phrases a Gen Z colleague might use and what they (usually) mean.

While some of these phrases originated from Black and LGBTQ+ creators, they are wide-ranging in their origins and references. 'However, Gen Z must also recognize you can't come to work and use whatever slang words you'd use with each other because it's not the same environment.' 'Older colleagues can benefit from being more adaptable and relatable to their younger coworkers, so they know how to appeal to a younger consumer base,' Martin told Insider. Kevon Martin, assistant human resources manager for Hyatt Regency Houston, told Insider there's a time and a place for slang. Managers in the US said they've seen similar trends in their workplaces, though one urged at least some caution. Many said that formal sign-offs like 'yours truly,' and 'yours sincerely' will be obsolete in the next 10 years.

Now, a study published on Tuesday by Barclays LifeSkills revealed that 71% of workers in Great Britain believe that their Gen Z colleagues are changing the formal tone of some workplaces. These days, the jargon circulates through TikTok and is starting to appear in more mainstream office settings, The Washington Post reported, keying in something we've all probably heard more of around the office - or in Slack channels. It often indicates a user profile.Ĭhronically online Gen Zers are bringing the slang they've learned through social media to the office, which could make it tricky for other generations who are trying to work with - and understand - them.Įmployees who are part of Generation Z - those born between 19 - are introducing coworkers to a variety of new phrases in the workplace. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders.

Gen z lingo