𝐓𝐋𝐃𝐑; 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎, 𝒋𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒐𝒏 – 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?📣

The workplace language of inclusivity

Mnemonics are techniques to help memory recall of information.

A most commonly used example of mnemonics are acronyms. Yet what is the dark side of acronyms and how could they hinder workplace communication?

1| The science behind mnemonics as an information recall technique

2| Dark side of acronyms: How they help (or hinder) workplace #inclusivity

3| Supporting strategies to bust the Jargon monsters at the workplace        

From the workplace to day-to-day interactions, acronyms are ubiquitous today! Yet did you know that mnemonics have existed for thousands of years?

✅ the Greeks developed mnemonic techniques to help them with their oratory

✅ the oldest mnemonic is attributed to Simonides, a Greek poet in 477BC

How has information recall techniques evolved to feature as a #workplace communications method today, 3000 years on?

Jargon, Slang & Everything in Between

Coming from a nation which prides itself on quiet efficiency, I can attest to the heavy usage of acronyms in our society.

Even in school, mnemonics were invaluable to recall information across textbooks. My personal favourite (Naughty Elephants Squirt Water – North-East-South-West as the 4 cardinal points) 🐘

Across the spectrum, here’s a snapshot of different mnemonics, simplified:

👂🏻 Acronyms: Simple formula of a letter to represent each word that needs to be remembered i.e. FTW = For The Win, PIN = Personal Identification Number

👂🏻 Slang: Words, phrases regarded as informal; commonly referred in speech than writing i.e. BRB – Be Right Back, LOL – Laugh out Loud

👂🏻 Short Form: Content that is (literally) shorter in length, designed to be read or viewed quickly; the beloved e.g. ‘For Example, or PS, ‘Post Script’

👂🏻 Labels: Classification to categorise information logically. E.g. Asia Pacific, for this part of the world, Rock types – Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic 

How Mnemonics Help Your Memory

Mnemonics help chunk, associate and visualise large pieces of information and draw #connections across information.

Is it effective though? Here’s the science behind why it works:

✅ Dual Activation: When verbal & nonverbal information is presented simultaneously, we process it through two separate brain channels that are ‘switched on’. This reinforces memory.

✅  Associations: Connecting two pieces of information about a subject matter helps retention (knowing your colleague’s favourite coffee + where she buys it helps recall)

✅ Visual Cues: Our brains thrive on visual stimuli so imagery always helps

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘆𝗺𝘀: Unintended Consequences of Workplace #jargon

Ironically, an unintended consequence of acronym usage is confusion. More significantly, this can create exclusion at the workplace.

Think of the time where you were in a meeting with teams conversing in technical jargon that flew over your head. 

You might have felt being excluded or a fear of speaking up, to challenge or contribute (‘I do not know enough of what they are speaking to share my idea’).

Here are two further ‘Exclusion Symptoms’ you may have experienced: 

⛔️ ‘I assume you know’ - When people assume everyone knows what an acronym stands for - invariably others unfamiliar with the subject are excluded

⛔️ ‘I say A, you think B’ - Misinterpretation of terms creates mixed signals. These can carry serious consequences in fields such as healthcare

Acronyms create a sense of comfort and familiarity. But they can create social exclusion. An ‘insider’ language can isolate those not familiar with these terms.

How can you battle these biases? Consider the following questions: 

Bust those Jargon Monsters 😈

☑️ Employee Experience - Does workplace jargon impact new hires and their onboarding journey?

☑️ Knowledge & Learning – In your teams, is knowledge structured, codified consistently and clearly (with no mixed interpretations)?

☑️ Cultural sensitivity – Are we mindful of linguistic, cultural differences and its impact on collaboration (e.g. x-market teams)?

Supporting Strategies

In a multi-generational workforce, what strategies can we tap on to reinforce workplace communications? Consider these techniques:

 ❇️ Do not assume – Share context and explanations when using terms; it’s always prudent not to expect 100% understanding when starting a project

❇️ Give your teams the vocabulary to build a common language – People in a shared project should have a common grounding in the essentials of what’s needed to deliver (OKRs, datapoints, terminologies)

❇️ Build capability – Invest and train people to align on concepts and use these as #skill anchors to support team discussions

❇️ Sensitive – Lastly, err on the side of prudence - be mindful of cultural and linguistic differences

Reframe! While workplace jargon can be confusing, frame the opportunity as one to connect people. Reach out and help others. Some organisations maintain a ‘Dictionary-101’ of workplace terminologies that is a valuable resource.

Remember that not all jargon are exclusive. Some are industry-references that are crucial in accelerating the onboarding of a new colleague into the industry and its domain. By fostering a culture of clarity, we can ensure workplace communications contributes to inclusivity, rather than a barrier to understanding.

How do you think we can make workplace communications more socially inclusive? I'll love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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