As the workforce rapidly shifts towards the digital realm, the office vernacular we once used around copiers and conference tables seems oddly out of place. Remote work has not only changed how we collaborate but also the language that frames our workdays. Here’s a look at seven office phrases that are becoming obsolete in a remote work setting, along with their next-generation interpretations.
1 Rethinking “Let’s Take This Offline” for Virtual Teams
In a traditional office, suggesting to “take this offline” usually meant to discuss the matter privately after a meeting. However, remote work doesn’t offer the same physical separation. Instead, this phrase has morphed into “Let’s discuss this in a separate call” or “I’ll send you a DM.” It preserves the essence of private discussion while acknowledging that all interactions are, inherently, online.
2 The New Reality of “Meeting Face-to-Face” in a Digital Landscape
“Meeting face-to-face” once implied in-person interactions that were believed to foster better connections. Today, video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype have made it possible to have face-to-face conversations that are just as engaging, but without shared physical space. As we adapt, saying “Let’s have a video call” better captures the intent of personable and focused communication within remote teams.
3 “Can I Swing by Your Desk?” in a Home Office Context
That casual drop-in to check on a colleague’s progress is logistically impossible when your team spans multiple time zones. Remote work requires planning and respect for boundaries. Phrases like “Do you have time for a quick chat?” or “Is this a good time for a catch-up?” respect personal schedules and invite collaboration without assuming immediate availability.
4 “Let’s Circle Back” When You’re Not in the Same Room
While “let’s circle back” is a commitment to revisit an issue, in remote work, it doesnt involve physically regrouping. Instead, its about reconnecting at a later time digitally. A more remote-friendly version could be, “Lets schedule a time to revisit this topic,” ensuring all parties have it on their calendars, and no one is left out of the loop.
5 “Keep Your Door Open” When There’s No Physical Office
An “open door policy” symbolizes approachability and availability. In a remote setting, this translates to being accessible via messaging apps or being responsive to emails. We can shift to phrases like “Feel free to ping me anytime,” ensuring that colleagues know you’re available to support them, even if you can’t physically prop open a door.
6 “Putting a Pin in It” Without a Physical Bulletin Board
In a brick-and-mortar office, “putting a pin in it” might mean literally pinning a reminder to a bulletin board. But in a virtual office landscape, this action is more abstract. To communicate deferring a discussion, you might use, “Let’s add this to our digital agenda,” or “I’ll make a note for our next virtual huddle,” making use of project management tools or shared documents to keep track.
7 “Water Cooler Talk” When There’s No Water Cooler
“Water cooler talk” encapsulates the informal conversations that happen spontaneously in physical workspaces. Though there’s no virtual water cooler, you can foster casual chat through dedicated channels on Slack or Teams titled “Virtual Coffee Break” or “Random.” These spaces keep the spirit of casual camaraderie alive, prompting spontaneous connections and discussions.
In conclusion, though remote work changes our working styles, it’s essential that our language evolves too. By rephrasing these classic office phrases for remote settings, we maintain the essence of collaboration and communication that keeps teams unified, no matter where they’re logging in from. If your team is navigating the nuances of remote communication, consider these updates as your new lingua franca for virtual collaboration.
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