Marketers beware: Overuse of jargon could potentially drain your brand's income by massive amounts
Getting to the Core of Corporate Gobbledygook
Ever nodded your head along to a corporate memo, thinking "What on earth did that mean?" Well, you aren't alone. A recent survey by Kickresume reveals that many professionals are left puzzling over jargon in the workplace.
But what's the big deal? Turns out, if you can't understand it, you can't work effectively with it. In a clash of words and work productivity, jargon is the unsung villain.
"Jargon is like speaking in codes," says Martin Poduska, head of content at Kickresume. "If you're not part of the group, communication becomes extremely challenging. It complicates the lives of everyone, even those on the inside." [Inclusive Culture]
Kickresume investigated the impact of corporate jargon by presenting two groups of workers with memorandums. The first group was given a straightforward memo, while the second was served a plate of jargon. The verdict? The clear-talking bunch scored substantially higher on comprehension tests and demonstrated better recall abilities in subsequent tests, showcasing the power of plain English.
But here's where it gets interesting – and scary. Research shows that poor communication from jargon can cost companies dearly. Teams waste a whopping 7.5 hours per week making sense of vague messaging. If you do the math, a firm with 10,000 employees could be losing nearly $40 million yearly. [Impact on Productivity]
So, if jargon is so costly and annoying [Solutions for Improvement], why do many professionals still bow to its spell?
Tony Maher, General Manager of the U.K-based Plain English Campaign, suggests jargon users prioritize grandstanding over getting down to business. "[Jargon] might make them feel momentarily important, but it quickly causes the opposite effect. People will simply stop reading their memos."
[Impact on Communication] Jargon doesn't just put a spoke in the works – it pierces the fabric of communication. It alienates employees from different backgrounds and creates barriers that hamper team cohesion. In severe cases, it can even lead to legal consequences if it misleads stakeholders or clients.
But fear not. The antidote to jargon is simpler than it seems. Encourage clear, concise language in the workplace. Cultivate an inclusive culture that values diversity. And provide training and feedback systems that give employees the confidence to ask questions and seek clarity when needed.
With the omnipresence of AI, the future may seem murky, drowning in a sea of corporate babble. But remember: simple, straightforward communication may just become the rare gem that captures attention for all the right reasons.
"I'm always impressed when I can comprehend a difficult message the first time around," says Maher. "Either the person really understands the subject matter or they've taken the time to ensure clarity. If I have to read it three times, it goes in the bin." [Impact on Communication, Solutions for Improvement]
- Within the corporate environment, jargon often resembles a secret code, making communication challenging for those not privy to the inner circle (Inclusive Culture).
- The survey by Kickresume revealed that using clear language in memos leads to better comprehension and recall, outperforming memos laden with jargon (Impact on Productivity).
- According to research, corporate jargon can be a costly affair for businesses, with teams spending an estimated 7.5 hours per week deciphering vague messages, potentially costing a company with 10,000 employees nearly $40 million yearly (Impact on Productivity).
- To enhance productivity and team cohesion, it's essential to promote clear, concise language, foster an inclusive culture, and implement feedback systems that encourage employees to ask questions and seek clarification when needed (Solutions for Improvement).
