Why Workplace Jargon Harms Communication (and How to Fix It)

Workplace jargon has become one of the biggest barriers to clear and effective communication. The overuse of buzzwords and corporate clichés often turns straightforward messages into cryptic puzzles. This issue is particularly frustrating for frontline employees - the people keeping the business running - who rely on concise and actionable communication to do their jobs effectively.

Messages filled with jargon not only waste time but can also alienate employees and create confusion. Let’s examine why jargon harms workplace communication and explore practical ways to replace it with clear, relatable language.

Why jargon is the worst (and yes, it really is)

Jargon isn’t just annoying. It actively works against good communication. It confuses people, wastes time, and makes leaders seem disconnected. According to SHRM, overly complicated language can alienate employees and create a sense of exclusion. Instead of feeling informed or empowered, people feel like they’re being talked at, not with.

For frontline teams, the stakes are even higher. They don’t have time to unravel "actionable insights" or "leverage synergies." They need clear directions. Otherwise, productivity stalls, frustration builds, and before you know it, your team is Googling “what does ‘move the needle’ mean?” instead of actually moving it.

20 jargon phrases to avoid (and what to say instead)

Here’s a quick reference for ditching buzzwords in favor of clarity:

• Synergy → Work together
• Leverage → Use
• Circle Back → Follow up
• Empowerment → Support or help
• Touch Base → Check-in or talk
• Low-Hanging Fruit → Quick win or easy task
• Bandwidth → Time or availability
• Deep Dive → Detailed review or look closer
• Alignment → Agreement or same page
• Paradigm Shift → Big change or new approach
• Move the Needle → Make progress or drive results
• Bleeding Edge → Latest or advanced
• Stakeholders → People involved or team members
• Granular → Detailed or specific
• Scalable → Growth-ready or expandable
• Core Competencies → Strengths or skills
• Quick Win → Easy win or simple success
• Value-Add → Benefit or bonus
• Actionable Insights → Useful tips or next steps
• Game Changer → Big improvement or major change

4 steps to simplify workplace communication

1. If a phrase feels unnatural in conversation, it’s likely to be confusing in writing. Replace "Let’s touch base" with "Let’s check in." Aim for relatable and conversational language.
2. Eliminate filler phrases like "just wanted to" or "we’re aiming to." Instead, use clear and direct language, such as "Following up" or "We’re starting."
3. Frontline workers don’t need corporate buzzwords. Use simple, actionable language that directly addresses their tasks and responsibilities.
4. Vague phrases like "optimizing efficiency" don’t give clear direction. Instead, specify actions like "improving scheduling" or "reducing wait times."

The next time you are (or someone you know is) tempted to use jargon like "move the needle" or "leverage synergies," ask: Is there a simpler way to say this?

Ditching jargon builds trust, strengthens engagement, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for everyone. And at the end of the day we’re talking about comms human to human, not robot to robot. ??