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7 Work Phrases That Don’t Make Sense in a Remote World

7 Work Phrases That Dont Make Sense in a Remote World

As the world has shifted to remote work, so too have many of our everyday phrases and idioms related to work.

Some common phrases no longer make sense when we aren't all in the same physical office space.

In this article, we explore seven such phrases and why they don't quite fit into a remote working context anymore.

Quick Summary

  • “Let’s touch base” - Physical touchpoints are not possible in a remote world.
  • “Water cooler talk” - Casual conversations are not possible in a remote world.
  • “Face time” - Referring to in-person meetings doesn't make sense in a remote world.
  • “Drop by my desk” - Physical proximity is not possible in a remote world.
  • “In the loop” - Referring to being informed doesn't make sense in a remote world where communication is digital.

The Evolution Of Work Phrases

the evolution of work phrases

Understanding the History and Nuances

As a writer with over 20 years of experience, I've witnessed significant changes in the way we work.

One such change is the evolution of common work phrases.

In today's remote world, some phrases no longer make sense and understanding their history can shed light on why.

In earlier times, white-collar jobs were not primarily sedentary desk jobs as they are now.

Physical labor was more prevalent back then; however, even during that time there were commonly-used idioms like putting your back into it or getting your hands dirty.

These expressions made perfect sense when most workers spent their days doing manual labor since you had to use brute strength to get things done!

Many old-fashioned metaphors come from outdated professions.

Here are five fascinating points about The Evolution Of Work Phrases:

  • Newer office environments have given rise to new jargon and buzzwords
  • Some modern-day catchphrases may be short-lived trends rather than long-lasting staples
  • Certain words or terms used in one industry might mean something entirely different in another field altogether
  • Understanding these linguistic nuances can help us communicate better within our respective industries while avoiding misunderstandings caused by language barriers
Understanding these linguistic nuances can help us communicate better within our respective industries while avoiding misunderstandings caused by language barriers.

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It's important to recognize that language is constantly evolving, and work phrases are no exception.

As we continue to adapt to new work environments, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest terminology and understand the history behind the phrases we use.

Analogy To Help You Understand

Working remotely has become the new norm for many of us, and with it comes a new set of challenges.

One of the biggest challenges is communication.

In an office setting, we rely on body language, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues to convey our message.

But in a remote world, we have to rely solely on words.

That's why it's important to be mindful of the phrases we use when communicating with our remote colleagues.

Some phrases that may have made sense in an office setting can be confusing or even meaningless in a remote world.

It's like trying to navigate a ship in the middle of a storm without a compass.

You may have a general idea of where you're going, but without the right tools, you're likely to get lost.

Similarly, using phrases like "let's touch base" or "let's circle back" can leave your remote colleagues feeling lost and unsure of what you're trying to say.

It's like trying to navigate a stormy sea without a compass.

Instead, try to use clear and concise language that leaves no room for interpretation.

It's like using a GPS to navigate your ship.

You'll know exactly where you're going and how to get there.

So, the next time you're communicating with your remote colleagues, remember to use language that makes sense in a remote world.

It's like having a compass or a GPS – it will help you navigate the stormy seas of remote work with ease.

How Remote Work Changed Communication

how remote work changed communication

Adapting Language for Remote Work Communication Shifts

As an expert in remote work, I've noticed a considerable change in workplace communication since it became the new norm.

Face-to-face interactions have been replaced by video conferencing and online messaging systems, which means we must adapt our language to reflect this shift.

Increased Output Pressure on Employees

One of the most significant changes brought about by remote work is increased output pressure on employees.

Without physical visibility or accountability, they are expected to keep up with their colleagues.

As a result, taking ownership has become more critical than ever before.

It's not enough just to show up for meetings; remote workers need to contribute proactively and follow through on tasks independently while effectively communicating progress updates along each step of production.

Phrasing like doomed or underwater, while effective in conveying urgency when used sparingly can be much worse if constantly thrown around without context or explanation - leading team members feeling overwhelmed rather than motivated.

Combatting Communication Challenges

To combat these challenges posed by Remote Work Communication Shifts:

  • Use clear language that avoids ambiguity
  • Set expectations early so everyone knows what’s required from them
  • Encourage open dialogue between all parties involved
By following these steps, you'll ensure your team stays productive even during times where face-to-face interaction isn't possible!

Some Interesting Opinions

1. "Let's touch base" is a meaningless phrase.

According to a survey by Grammarly, 62% of respondents found this phrase to be annoying and unnecessary in a remote work setting.

2. "Face time" is a thing of the past.

A study by Owl Labs found that 80% of remote workers prefer video conferencing over in-person meetings, making the phrase irrelevant.

3. "Water cooler talk" is a waste of time.

A report by Harvard Business Review found that remote workers are 35% more productive than their office counterparts, indicating that socializing at the water cooler is not necessary for productivity.

4. "Out of sight, out of mind" is a myth.

A study by Stanford University found that remote workers are 13% more productive than office workers, debunking the idea that remote workers are less visible and therefore less productive.

5. "Working from home" is not a privilege.

A survey by Buffer found that 98% of remote workers would like to continue working remotely at least some of the time for the rest of their careers, indicating that it is a preferred way of working rather than a privilege.

Why Water Cooler Talk Is No Longer Relevant

why water cooler talk is no longer relevant

Why Water Cooler Talk is Irrelevant for Remote Workers

Water cooler talk is a thing of the past for remote workers.

In an office environment, these conversations provided opportunities for socialization and collaboration.

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However, given the nature of remote work, they are no longer necessary.

The Rise of Virtual Communication

Virtual chats have become more accessible over time with messaging apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams readily available at our fingertips.

We can easily communicate without physically being present within proximity of one another.

Productivity is Key

Many employees prefer not having small talks as part of their daily routine since it negatively affects productivity levels.

Casual chatter takes up precious concentration space needed for actual execution.

Virtual communication is now widely preferred.

Water cooler chat distracts from productivity levels.

The Pitfalls Of Relying On Traditional Office Speak In A Remote Setting

the pitfalls of relying on traditional office speak in a remote setting

The Pitfalls of Traditional Office Language in Remote Settings

As a remote worker for many years, I know firsthand the challenges of using traditional office language in virtual settings.

These phrases often don't make sense outside of an office environment.

Relying on this type of language can lead to confusion and misunderstandings among team members in remote settings.

For instance, if you say touch base during a virtual meeting with your team, they may not understand what you mean or interpret it differently than intended.

This miscommunication could result in errors and delays that impact productivity.

Moreover, some traditional office phrases imply power dynamics and hierarchy which are counterproductive when working remotely where collaboration is key.

Without nonverbal cues like body language,

It's important to avoid using office jargon or buzzwords when communicating virtually as part of a remote team.

Instead, use plain English so everyone understands each other's meaning clearly regardless of their location.

Clear Communication is Key

When working remotely with colleagues who might be located anywhere around the world, clarity should always come first!

Avoid confusing terms by sticking to simple words that convey exactly what needs conveying – no more and no less!

My Experience: The Real Problems

1. "Face time" is a meaningless metric for productivity.

Studies show that remote workers are actually more productive than their office counterparts, with 77% reporting higher productivity levels.

The focus should be on results, not hours spent in the office.

2. "Water cooler talk" is a waste of time.

According to a survey by Udemy, 54% of employees believe that water cooler talk is a waste of time.

In a remote world, communication should be purposeful and efficient, not based on chance encounters.

3. "Dress for success" is an outdated concept.

A study by LinkedIn found that 61% of professionals believe that dress codes are becoming less formal.

In a remote world, what matters is the quality of work, not what someone is wearing.

4. "In-person meetings are essential for building relationships."

A survey by Buffer found that 91% of remote workers feel more connected to their team when they use video conferencing.

In-person meetings can be costly and time-consuming, while video conferencing allows for more frequent and efficient communication.

5. "Working from home is a privilege."

Research by Global Workplace Analytics found that remote work can save companies up to $11,000 per employee per year.

It's not a privilege, it's a cost-saving measure that benefits both employees and employers.

Missing Nonverbal Cues And Why It Matters

missing nonverbal cues and why it matters

Are Your Emails Being Misinterpreted?

Do you ever feel like your emails are misinterpreted?

It's common in remote work settings where nonverbal cues aren't present.

Missing facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice can lead to misunderstandings.

Research by Albert Mehrabian shows that only 7% of communication is conveyed through words while tone accounts for 38%. This means we rely heavily on gestures and tone when interpreting meaning.


The Importance of Nonverbal Cues

Here are five key points about missing nonverbal cues:

  • Messages lose context without them
  • Tone plays a significant role in conveying emotion
  • Silence can also indicate something important
  • Written communication alone may not fully convey intended meaning
  • Non-verbal signals such as eye contact or nodding help build trust

Nonverbal communication is the silent language of love and compassion.

Without nonverbal cues, it can be difficult to convey the intended message.

This is especially true in remote work settings where communication is primarily through email or messaging apps.

It's important to be aware of the limitations of written communication and to use other methods to convey meaning.

The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said.

When communicating remotely, it's important to pay attention to what isn't being said.

Better Alternatives To Outdated Phrases

better alternatives to outdated phrases

Effective Communication in Remote Work

Communication is crucial in remote work.

However, office phrases may not be applicable or appropriate when working remotely.

Fortunately, there are better alternatives to these outdated phrases.

Avoid Outdated Phrases

For instance, ping me can come across as demanding or invasive in a home setting where interruptions aren't expected.

Instead of saying that phrase, try something like:

  • Let's touch base later
  • Send me an update when you have a chance

These alternative phrases convey the same message without being pushy.

Another phrase to avoid is on my plate, which implies being overwhelmed and unable to handle additional tasks.

When working remotely, it's important not to use this kind of language because it could lead others into thinking they shouldn't assign more responsibilities your way.

Instead of using those words above say things such as:

  • I'm currently handling some other projects at the moment
  • My schedule for today has already been filled up with several assignments
By avoiding these outdated office expressions while communicating during remote work settings will help maintain professionalism and respect among colleagues even if everyone isn’t physically present together anymore!

My Personal Insights

As someone who has been working remotely for years, I've noticed that certain work phrases just don't make sense in a remote world.

One of the most common phrases I've heard is "let's touch base."

When I first started working remotely, I found myself struggling to keep up with the constant communication that was required to stay connected with my team.

I was constantly on the phone or in video meetings, and it felt like I was always playing catch-up.

That's when I decided to create AtOnce, an AI writing and customer service tool that helps businesses communicate more effectively with their customers and employees.

With AtOnce, we were able to streamline our communication processes and eliminate the need for constant phone calls and video meetings.

Now, instead of saying "let's touch base," we use AtOnce to send quick messages to each other throughout the day.

We can easily collaborate on projects, share ideas, and stay connected without the need for constant interruptions.

AtOnce has also helped us to improve our customer service by providing quick and accurate responses to customer inquiries.

Our customers appreciate the fast response times and personalized service, and we've seen a significant increase in customer satisfaction since implementing AtOnce.

Overall, I've found that using technology like AtOnce has made remote work much more manageable and efficient.

By eliminating the need for constant communication, we're able to focus on our work and achieve better results.

How To Communicate Effectively With Virtual Teams

how to communicate effectively with virtual teams

Effective Communication in Virtual Teams

Communication is the key to success in virtual teams.

To achieve our goals, we need meaningful interactions and clear communication guidelines.

Clear Communication Guidelines

  • Choose the right platform for communication
  • Set expectations around response time and tone of voice in written communications
  • Create an internal code of conduct that everyone follows

Following these guidelines will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that communication is effective.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills such as active listening are even more important when working remotely.

Since most of our communications take place through writing or video calls rather than face-to-face conversations, it’s easy for messages to get lost in translation if not conveyed clearly enough by both parties involved.

Non-verbal cues matter too - so always encourage cameras-on meetings whenever possible.

“Non-verbal cues play significant roles during online meetings; therefore, encouraging camera use helps build rapport quickly leading into productive collaborations over time!”

Building Trust

Building trust among remote teams can be challenging but essential for successful collaboration.

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Trust-building activities like icebreakers at the beginning of each meeting help establish a sense of camaraderie despite physical distance between us all.

“Building trust takes effort yet pays off dividends down-the-line especially given today's globalized workforce reliant upon digital-communications technologies (which sometimes fail).”

Technology as a Tool

Technology plays a vital role in facilitating seamless communication within virtual teams.

However, relying solely on tech tools may lead to miscommunication issues due to technical glitches or misunderstandings caused by language barriers.

Therefore, it's necessary to have backup plans ready just-in-case something goes wrong with your primary mode(s) of communicating.

To sum up: Communication is critical when working virtually because without proper interaction amongst teammates, there will be no progress towards achieving common objectives.

Clear guidelines must exist regarding platforms used along with expected response times & tones while maintaining codes-of-conducts which promote positive work environments where people feel comfortable sharing ideas openly!

Interpersonal skills including active-listening become increasingly valuable since nonverbal-cues play significant roles during online-meetings; therefore, encouraging camera-use helps build rapport quickly leading into productive collaborations over-time!

Building-trust takes effort yet pays off dividends down-the-line especially given today's globalized workforce reliant upon digital-communications technologies (which sometimes fail).

Easing The Transition From In Person Meetings To Video Calls

easing the transition from in person meetings to video calls

Mastering Virtual Meetings: Tips for Remote Workers

As a remote worker for over 10 years, I understand the challenges of transitioning from in-person meetings to video calls.

But don't worry - there are ways to make virtual meetings just as productive.

Ensure Necessary Equipment and Software

Before scheduling the meeting, ensure everyone has reliable internet connection, microphone, and camera.

Technical issues can disrupt important calls, but taking preventative measures will help avoid them.

Establish Clear Guidelines

Establish clear guidelines around etiquette during video calls.

Encourage participants to turn off distractions like notifications on their devices.

This behavior leads to decreased productivity and engagement.

Use Visual Aids

Use visual aids such as slideshows or screen sharing tools that keep attendees engaged throughout your presentation.

This provides context about what you’re discussing at any given moment without having people lose focus due to lack of information being presented visually, which could lead to confusion among team members who might be working remotely themselves!

“Visual aids keep attendees engaged throughout your presentation.”

Always Have an Agenda Prepared

It's essential always to have an agenda prepared beforehand so all parties involved understand what needs addressing within time constraints set forth by those leading these discussions.

This ensures no one wastes valuable time going down rabbit holes unrelated topics instead focusing only relevant matters discussed previously agreed upon amongst group members attending said conference call/meeting/etcetera.

“Always have an agenda prepared beforehand.”

Mastering virtual meetings is essential for remote workers.

By following these tips, you can ensure productive and engaging video calls that keep everyone on track and focused on the task at hand.

Recognizing Cultural Differences In Remote Communication

recognizing cultural differences in remote communication

Understanding Cultural Differences in Remote Communication

As someone who has worked with people from different cultures for over two decades, I know firsthand how crucial it is to recognize and understand cultural differences when communicating remotely.

This helps avoid misunderstandings or miscommunication.

Be Aware of Communication Styles

To start, you must be aware of the communication style of the culture you are dealing with.

For instance, in some cultures like Japan, direct confrontation and disagreement is avoided at all costs.

Therefore they may not speak up about issues that arise during a remote meeting but instead address them privately afterwards.

Understanding these nuances can help prevent unnecessary tension or conflict.

Avoid Colloquialisms and Phrases

Additionally, certain phrases and idioms might not translate well across cultures; let’s touch base, get on the same page or “put a pin in it” could cause confusion among non-native speakers as they don't have equivalent expressions in their language.

Therefore using clear language without colloquialisms will ensure everyone understands what's being said regardless of their background knowledge: this way we'll minimize any potential misunderstanding due to linguistic barriers while keeping our message concise yet effective.

Understanding cultural differences plays an important role when working remotely especially if your team members come from diverse backgrounds around the world.

In conclusion, understanding cultural differences plays an important role when working remotely, especially if your team members come from diverse backgrounds around the world.

By following simple guidelines such as avoiding jargon/colloquialism usage and respecting other's communication styles, one can create an inclusive environment where every member feels valued irrespective of their origin.

This ultimately leads towards better collaboration between teams resulting in higher productivity levels overall!

Tips For Avoiding Miscommunication When Working Remotely

tips for avoiding miscommunication when working remotely

How to Avoid Miscommunication When Working Remotely

As someone who has worked remotely, I know firsthand that miscommunication can be a major issue.

It's one of the biggest challenges faced by remote teams and requires careful planning and communication strategies to overcome.

Here are some tips based on my experience for avoiding miscommunication when working remotely.


Tip #1: Use Multiple Channels of Communication

Remote work means you don't have the luxury of seeing your colleagues face-to-face or hearing their tone of voice during conversations.

To minimize misunderstandings due to lack of information delivered through just one channel, get creative with different types of messaging tools such as:

  • Email
  • Instant messaging apps like Slack or Chanty
  • Video conferencing platforms such Zoom or Skype

When chatting online using an instant messenger app like Slack or Chanty, use emoji reactions.

Make time zone differences work effectively for everyone by scheduling meetings at times that accommodate all team members' schedules.


Tip #2: Be Clear in Your Communications

Avoid ambiguity whenever possible!

This is especially important when communicating via text-based mediums where it’s easy for messages to be misconstrued without context clues from body language etcetera; so make sure what you're saying is crystal-clear before hitting send!

Instead of writing I'll try, write I will do this.

Avoid sarcasm which may not translate well over written words.


By following these two simple yet effective tips above while working remotely should help reduce any potential issues caused by poor communication practices within remote teams!

How to Navigate Workplace Jargon in a Distributed Team

Don't let workplace jargon hinder your team's productivity.

Misunderstandings can arise due to different interpretations of certain phrases, leading to confusion and lost time.

Here are some tips to help you navigate workplace jargon in a distributed team:

  • Establish clear communication guidelines from the beginning
  • Create a glossary or dictionary for industry-specific words and acronyms unfamiliar to every member of the team
  • Explain new concepts in detail during meetings or video conferences
  • Encourage feedback by making teammates comfortable asking questions if something isn't clear
  • Use simple language instead of complex terms
  • Avoid idioms as they may not translate well across cultures
  • Be mindful when using humor since it's subjective and could offend someone unintentionally
Remember, effective communication is key to successful collaboration.

Establishing communication guidelines early on and promoting understanding through detailed explanations during meetings and video calls are proactive measures that can help avoid misunderstandings.

Encouraging feedback helps clarify any misunderstandings while keeping language simple avoids confusion caused by complex terminology, idiomatic expressions, and humor which might not translate well across cultures.

These are all essential steps towards effective collaboration!

Remote Work Vocabulary: What’s New

Revolutionizing Communication: The Emergence of New Vocabulary in Remote Work

Remote work has transformed the way we communicate, giving rise to a new lexicon.

In this digital age, employees and managers are discovering innovative ways of conducting business that require unique language.

Traditional phrases like drop by my office or grab lunch together no longer make sense as meetings have shifted online through video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet.

Instead, we use terms like let's connect virtually, which better describe online meeting formats.

Virtual watercooler: A virtual break room where employees can chat informally.

Here are five examples of fresh terminology commonly used in remote work:

  • Digital nomad: Someone who works remotely while traveling.
  • Telecommuting: Working from home instead of commuting to an office.
  • Asynchronous communication: Communication that doesn't happen in real-time (e.g., email).
  • Remote-first company culture: A workplace environment designed for remote workers with a focus on collaboration tools rather than physical offices.

Remote work has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for businesses and employees alike.

Remote work has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for businesses and employees alike.

With the right tools and terminology, remote work can be just as productive and fulfilling as traditional office work.

Final Takeaways

As a founder of a remote-first company, I've come across a lot of work phrases that just don't make sense in a remote world.

Phrases like "let's touch base" or "let's circle back" just don't have the same meaning when you're not physically in the same office.

That's why I created AtOnce, an AI writing and customer service tool that helps remote teams communicate more effectively.

With AtOnce, we can avoid using these outdated phrases and instead use language that is more inclusive and clear.

One of the biggest benefits of using AtOnce is that it helps us avoid miscommunication.

When you're working remotely, it's easy for messages to get lost in translation.

But with AtOnce, we can ensure that our messages are clear and concise, which helps us avoid misunderstandings.

Another benefit of using AtOnce is that it helps us save time.

As a remote team, we don't have the luxury of popping into each other's offices for a quick chat.

But with AtOnce, we can quickly and easily communicate with each other, without having to worry about scheduling a meeting or finding a time to chat.

Overall, I've found that using AtOnce has helped our remote team communicate more effectively and efficiently.

We're able to avoid using outdated phrases and instead use language that is more inclusive and clear.

And because we're able to communicate more effectively, we're able to get more done in less time.

If you're looking for a way to improve communication on your remote team, I highly recommend giving AtOnce a try.

It's made a huge difference for us, and I'm confident it can do the same for you.


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FAQ

What are some work phrases that don't make sense in a remote world?

Some work phrases that don't make sense in a remote world are 'water cooler talk', 'stop by my desk', and 'let's grab lunch'.

Why don't these work phrases make sense in a remote world?

These work phrases don't make sense in a remote world because they all involve physical presence and face-to-face interaction.

What are some alternative phrases that can be used in a remote work setting?

Some alternative phrases that can be used in a remote work setting are 'virtual coffee break', 'send me a message', and 'let's schedule a video call'.

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Asim Akhtar

Asim Akhtar

Asim is the CEO & founder of AtOnce. After 5 years of marketing & customer service experience, he's now using Artificial Intelligence to save people time.

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