These are the buzzwords HR hates the most

The workplace is filled with buzzwords we know and hate, but some terms or phrases are deemed to be more annoying than others.

According to a survey by Accountemps, HR leaders are completely fed up with words like "dynamic" and "forward-thinking" and are also frustrated by employees who say they are "overwhelmed" and who constantly ask for a pay rise.

The results, based on answers from 600 human resources managers in the US and Canada, indicated the importance of choosing your words wisely in the office to effectively communicate your message and feelings.

"When it comes to effective communication in the workplace, the importance of clarity cannot be stressed enough," said Dianne Hunnam-Jones, Canadian district president of Accountemps.

"To avoid ambiguity and confusion when communicating, the use of buzzwords and industry jargon should be avoided in favour of straightforward and uncomplicated language."

HR managers were asked, "What is the most annoying or overused phrase or buzzword in the workplace today?" Their responses included:

• "Out of pocket"
• "Deep dive"
• "Forward-thinking"
• "Dynamic"
• "Let me get back to you"
• "Pick your brain"
• "Employee engagement"
• "LOL"

Additionally, these phrases could indicate employee burnout - or perhaps just a sign that staff are more comfortable having a good old rant to HR about their pay and their workloads:

• "It's not my job"
• "It's above my pay grade"
• "When am I going to get a raise?"
• "I am overwhelmed"
• "Crunch time"

And of course, some buzzwords just love to hang around. These phrases have been cited by HR in previous surveys, and were picked again by HR this year:

• "Win-win"
• "Value-added"
• "Think outside the box"
• "Leverage"
• "At the end of the day"
• "Circle back"
• "Synergy"

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