“We’re a Family” and Nine Other Workplace Phrases That Need to Go

The Washington Post Jobs recently published an article titled “We’re a Family” and Nine Other Workplace Phrases That Need to Go, which caught my attention. The piece outlined ten commonly-used phrases in the workplace that can be problematic and offered alternatives that promote a more inclusive and productive environment.

The article advised against using “we’re a family” to describe a workplace because it suggests that employees should sacrifice personal boundaries and prioritize the company over their wellbeing. Other phrases to avoid include “pick your brain” and “low-hanging fruit,” which can objectify and devalue coworkers. Additionally, the article suggested replacing “I think” with “in my experience” to impart credibility and respect.

As a writer myself, I know how powerful language can be in shaping our perception of others and ourselves. Using effective communication can foster a culture of respect, understanding, and innovation in the workplace. Therefore, it is important to eliminate phrases that promote harmful values.

In conclusion, the article provides valuable insight into language choices in the workplace. We should be mindful of the words we use and understand the weight they carry. Creating a safe and welcoming workplace can start with small changes in language, and the suggestions in this article give us a strong starting point.