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A couple of years ago, just as we were crawling out of the COVID cocoon, the workplace started sounding like a Netflix series. Suddenly, terms like Quiet Quitting, Moonlighting, and Quiet Firing were trending harder than TikTok dances. I even wrote about them back then (throwback to my article).
Fast forward to today, and the HR lexicon has exploded like popcorn in a microwave. Recently, after attending an event, I stumbled upon Anti-Perks (yes, perks that feel like punishments!) and shared my thoughts here .
But the rabbit hole didn’t end there. Enter Lazy Girl Jobs and Coffee Badging. The first made me sigh…why are we glorifying disengagement? The second made me chuckle…turns out, some folks show up at the office just long enough to grab a coffee and badge in. If attendance were an Olympic sport, they’d win gold for minimal effort. And...Reverse Mentoring...simply when the intern teaches the CEO how to use TikTok. It’s flipping the script because wisdom isn’t always grey-haired anymore.
And now, brace yourself for the latest buzzwords that are redefining workplace culture. Let’s decode them…
1. Dry Promotion :
You know that moment when your manager says, “Congratulations! You’re ready for more responsibility!”—and you wait for the confetti, the shiny new title, or at least a bump in your payslip. Instead, you get… a bigger to-do list. It’s like being handed the keys to a fancy new car, but told you still have to take the bus to work. The recognition is real, but the rewards? Still pending. In the world of dry promotions, you become the office’s go-to problem solver, but your email signature stays stubbornly the same. The only thing that grows is your calendar—and maybe your coffee intake.
Why it matters:Dry promotions can quietly erode morale and trust. When employees feel their extra effort isn’t matched by tangible rewards, engagement drops and resentment brews. Over time, this can lead to higher turnover and a reputation for undervaluing talent.
What HR can do:
You hate your job but keep showing up, like attending a party you didn’t want to go to, just to glare at the host. It’s resentment + presenteeism. HR’s nightmare, therapist’s dream.
Why it matters:
Resenteeism is contagious. One disengaged employee can sap the energy of an entire team. Productivity drops, innovation stalls, and the workplace vibe turns sour. It’s the silent killer of culture.
What HR can do:
3. Conscious Unboxing :
Not your latest iPhone, but your work perks. Employees now want thoughtful benefits, not random freebies. Because nothing says “we care” like a perk that actually matters. This phenomenon actually fights the Anti-Perks phenomenon.
Why it matters:
Perks that miss the mark can feel tone-deaf or even insulting. Today’s workforce values authenticity and relevance—think flexible hours over branded stress balls. The right perks boost loyalty and attract top talent.
What HR can do:
4. Job Hugging :
Clinging to your current role for dear life, even when better opportunities knock. Comfort zones are cosy, but growth rarely happens there.
Why it matters:
Job hugging stifles innovation and career progression. When people are too afraid to move, organisations risk stagnation and miss out on fresh ideas. It’s a sign that the culture may not support risk-taking or learning.
What HR can do:
5. FOBO (Fear of Better Options):
The cousin of FOMO. You hesitate to commit because… what if something better comes along? It’s like swiping on dating apps but never going on a date.
Why it matters:
FOBO leads to indecision and missed opportunities for both employees and employers. Teams can’t move forward if everyone’s waiting for the “perfect” role or candidate.
What HR can do:
6. Quittok:
People quitting their jobs on TikTok because why resign quietly when you can go viral? HR departments everywhere are sweating.
Why it matters:
Public resignations can damage employer brand and morale. They’re a symptom of deeper issues—when employees feel unheard, they turn to the internet for validation.
What HR can do:
Let’s be honest sometimes it feels like we’re inventing new workplace buzzwords just to keep the HR dictionary in business. Are these trends genuinely new, or are we just giving old habits a shiny new name? Let’s take a look:
1. Bare Minimum Mondays Picture Monday as that persistent friend who never gets the hint. Now, instead of launching into the week like a caffeinated superhero, we’re embracing the art of doing just enough to get by. “Bare Minimum Mondays” is all about self-preservation—but honestly, wasn’t this just called ‘surviving Monday’ before? If Monday could talk, it would probably ask for hazard pay.
2. Office Peacocking You know the type: strutting into the office with the latest gadgets, bold outfits, and an air of “look at me, I’m back!” It’s the corporate version of a peacock showing off its feathers except the feathers are limited-edition trainers and noise-cancelling headphones. But really, did we need a term for this? Weren’t we all just quietly judging each other’s fashion choices anyway?
3. Quiet Cracking Here’s a twist: instead of quietly quitting, some folks are quietly excelling…going above and beyond without making a fuss. It’s like being a workplace superhero, minus the cape and the LinkedIn humblebrag. But wait, wasn’t this just called ‘doing your job well’? When did being quietly competent become a trend worthy of a name?
4. Hybrid Hashing The never-ending debate: “Who’s in the office today? Who’s working from home?” It’s like trying to organise a group holiday where half the team wants the beach and the other half wants the mountains. Do we really need a term for this logistical headache, or are we just making remote work sound more glamorous than it is?
Are these buzzwords helping us make sense of workplace trends, or are we just romanticising the everyday drama?
Maybe naming things makes them easier to talk about, less intimidating, and more shareable.
Or maybe we’re just turning work culture into a meme factory one quirky term at a time.
What do you think? Are these buzzwords actually shaping behaviour, or just giving us something to chat about over coffee (or during a quick coffee badging session)?
Your turn: Which of these terms have you seen in action? Any favourites…or ones that make you cringe? Drop your thoughts below!
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