In the corporate world, jargon is commonplace and the emergence of new buzzwords to describe changes in the workplace is not unusual. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we work and interact with one another and, as a result, new terms and workplace trends have emerged.
One of the most significant trends that have emerged is remote work, which has become a popular way of working during the pandemic. As a result, terms such as "Zoom fatigue" and "workation" have become common laymen terms. As we move forward, it will be essential for employers to stay updated with these trends and adapt their workplaces accordingly, to ensure the well-being and productivity of their employees.
Quiet hiring
As we wind up the financial year 2022-23, where mass layoffs have become the norm, a new buzzword has emerged – ‘quiet hiring’. This recruiting strategy involves hiring without publicising job openings for fear of attracting a flood of applicants that cannot be accommodated. Quiet hiring enables companies to keep their recruitment processes under the radar, while still filling critical positions. Many companies have been adopting this strategy, particularly in the current economic climate, where recession fears persist and layoffs are widespread.
In some cases, companies may use their existing networks to find suitable candidates for open positions. This may involve tapping into employee referrals or utilising industry-specific networks to find qualified candidates.
While quiet hiring is beneficial for job seekers, as it allows them to avoid competing with a large pool of applicants, there are also drawbacks to it, as it limits the diversity of job candidates.
Quiet quitting
‘Quiet quitting’ is a relatively new term that became a buzzword in corporate culture, but the phenomenon is not new. It means employers are divided on this trend; some view it as a positive development, while others see it as harmful to productivity and profitability. Overall, quiet quitting is not a new statistical trend, but a viral phenomenon that highlights a changing power dynamic between employers and employees. Various experts have presented quiet quitting using different terminology, but at its core, it means focusing only on the essential duties of a job and not exceeding one's job responsibilities. In simpler terms, it is a moderate approach that falls between performing inadequately and going beyond what is required.
Moonlighting
‘Moonlighting’ is when an employee works a second job in addition to their primary job. While it is not a new concept, the rise of the gig economy and remote work has made it easier for people to take on moonlighting jobs. Some people do it to boost their income, while others do it to try something new.
But moonlighting isn't all sunshine and rainbows. It can lead to burnout and a lack of work-life balance. Plus, if your second job is in the same industry as your primary job, it could create conflicts of interest. Despite the potential drawbacks, moonlighting has become preventable. As the workforce continues to evolve, people will continue to seek out new opportunities and ways to supplement their income.
Many companies have strict policies against moonlighting, which is the practice of working a second job in addition to your primary job. These policies are often in place to protect the company's interests and ensure that employees are fully committed to their job responsibilities.
If you're considering moonlighting, ensure you're not sacrificing your health or your primary job.
Loud quitting
‘Loud quitting’ is the new trend in the world of employment, and it's exactly what it sounds like. Instead of quietly slinking out the door, you leave your job with a bang. But don't mistake it for rage-quitting, where you storm out of the office and never come back. No, loud quitting is a more calculated approach.
The idea is to let your bosses know that you're unhappy and looking for other opportunities. You remind them of all your accomplishments and hint that you could easily get a better-paying job elsewhere. The hope is that they'll panic and offer you more money to stay.
Of course, there are risks involved. If you're not actually the best employee they have, or if they can't afford to pay you more, then you may end up getting fired instead. And if you push too hard, you may end up damaging your relationship with your bosses and co-workers.
But if you do it right, loud quitting can be a successful negotiation tactic. You don't have to actually apply for other jobs – the idea is just to make your bosses think that you could leave at any moment. It's a way of asserting your value and getting the pay and recognition you deserve.
So, if you're feeling undervalued at work, maybe it's time to try out loud quitting. Just make sure you do it tactfully and strategically and be prepared to take the risk. Who knows – it may just pay off.
Burnout
‘Burnout’ has become an epidemic in the modern workplace, affecting employees across all industries and positions. It is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. It's like hitting a wall and feeling completely drained, and it can happen in any job.
Burnout is no joke -- it can lead to serious health problems like depression, anxiety, and even heart disease. Not to mention, it can seriously impact your performance at work and your personal relationships.
So, what can you do about burnout? The first step is recognising that it's a problem and addressing it. That may mean talking to your manager about reducing your workload or taking some time off. It may also mean seeking help from a mental health professional to work through the underlying causes of your burnout.
But the most important thing is to prioritise self-care. And remember, burnout is not a sign of weakness. It's a real and serious issue that affects many people. So, if you're experiencing burnout, know that you're not alone and that there are steps you can take to feel better.
Disengagement
In today’s fast-paced work culture, it is not uncommon to find employees feeling ‘disengaged’ and uninterested in their work.
At work, it can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a lack of meaningful work, poor management, lack of recognition and poor work-life balance. Employees who are disengaged may show signs such as low morale, decreased productivity, increased absenteeism and lack of motivation.
To prevent this, employers can provide opportunities for meaningful work, recognise and reward employees for their efforts and foster a positive and supportive work culture.
It is important for both employers and employees to recognise the signs of disengagement and take steps to prevent it from affecting their work and overall well-being. By working together, and creating a positive and supportive work culture, employers and employees can promote engagement and create a fulfilling work experience for all.
Rage applying
Have you ever been so frustrated with your current job that you've started applying for every job you see, regardless of whether or not it's a good fit for you? If so, you may have experienced what's commonly known as ‘rage applying’.
It is the act of applying for jobs in a fit of anger or frustration. It's typically a response to feeling stuck or unfulfilled in a current job, and the desire to get out as quickly as possible.
On the one hand, it may make you feel like you’re taking control of your situation. But on the other, there are some serious downsides to rage applying. It’s not an effective job search strategy.
When you’re just sending out applications willy-nilly, you’re unlikely to get any responses from companies that are a good fit for you.
Plus, it’s time-consuming and demoralising not to hear back from employers. You may start to feel like you’re not good enough for any job, which can lead to a downward spiral of negativity.
In the end, rage applying could seem like a quick fix to your work-related woes, but it’s unlikely to actually solve your problems. Instead, take a step back and approach your job search with a clear head. You may just find that the perfect job was right in front of you all along.
