Survey: Jargon, ‘pointless’ meetings hurt morale, productivity

According to American Express’ Open “Get Business Done” Survey, meaningless jargon is high on many employees’ lists. Despite the widespread loathing of bloated buzzwords and nonsensical coinages, 88 percent of respondents confessed to “pretending to understand office jargon,” and 64 percent admitted to using jargon “multiple times per week.”

American Express notes the confusion that jargon-laced text sows, citing the toll of “reverse-leveraging clarity initiatives.” It’s not quite a laughing matter, unfortunately, as ambiguous language, instructions and expectations lead to productivity, engagement and morale issues.

Of course, jargon pales in comparison with the deleterious impact of meetings. More than a third of the workers surveyed said they are subjected to nearly 1,200 hours’ worth of meetings per year, which amounts to “losing 150 work days or 30 work weeks.” (Or, depending on the quality and volume of your snack situation, upward of 10 years off your mortal life.)