Jargon Harms Employees—Gen Z Workers Worst Hit

Being told to "circle back" on "key deliverables" might sound like standard office speak. But a new study has found that such workplace jargon may be doing more harm than good—making employees feel confused, demoralized and less likely to collaborate with their coworkers.

The research, published in the International Journal of Business Communication , shows that the overuse of jargon disrupts how employees process information, lowers their confidence and reduces their willingness to seek or share information in the workplace.

That reluctance to communicate can break down team collaboration and stall productivity.

"You need people to be willing to collaborate, share ideas and look for more information if they don't understand something at work," paper author and advertising researcher