Are you sure that your people understand the words you commonly use at work? We are not talking about technical terms, but about words such as "meeting" or "office". Ideas about the meaning of these words can vary considerably, especially if you talk with employees from the youngest generation of Millennials (born between 1980-2000). Inc.com pointed out several words that young workers certainly understand differently than you. What are the words and how should you explain them?
"Now"
What else could the word "now" mean than "at this time"? For the youngest generation of workers, it means "when I'm ready / when I'm done." Therefore, make sure that your staff under thirty years of age know what is "now".
"Meeting"
Young people today wonder whether a meeting is a teleconference, a videoconference, instant messaging or using another electronic communication platform. Remind them that a meeting is a face-to-face event when people meet to discuss an issue.
"Office"
An office can now be any location where you can have a computer and a cup of coffee. Therefore, be careful that your young colleagues know where to come when they should meet you "in the office".
"Friend"
This word has lost its original meaning due to Facebook. For the Facebook generation, friend is a synonym for a person you are in connection with, even without a deeper relationship based on mutual support and respect. So if you want to promote a culture of friendship at work, first make sure that everybody understands friendship in the same way.
"Boss"
Even this word may be misunderstood today. Young people may feel that bosses no longer exist, since their superiors are "team leaders" or "associates". It is always necessary to clarify that the boss is the one who makes decisions and manages employees.
What other words do you think today's young workers do not understand?
-kk-