Corporate catchphrases may sound harmless in office meetings, but their overuse could be eroding workplace morale and collaboration, according to new academic research.
A peer-reviewed study published on 25 August in the International Journal of Business Communication found that jargon-heavy messages make employees feel less confident, less willing to collaborate, and more likely to avoid asking clarifying questions.
The research, conducted by Olivia Bullock, Ph.D., an assistant professor of advertising at the University of Florida, and Tiffany Bisbey, Ph.D., an assistant professor at George Washington University, provides some of the clearest evidence yet that unclear corporate language harms organisational culture.
“You need people to be willing to collaborate, share ideas and look for more information if they don’t understand something at work,” Bullock told the University of Florida’s news site in a release on the findings. “And jargon might actually be impeding that information flow across teams.”
To investigate how workplace language shapes behaviour, the researchers surveyed nearly 2,000 people. Participants were asked to imagine starting a new job and receiving an email containing important instructions. Half of the group received a message loaded with technical terms such as “EFT payments” and “intranet access.” The other half received a plainer, jargon-free version of the same instructions.
The results were stark: those who read the jargon-heavy message found it harder to process the information, reported feeling worse about themselves, and were less likely to reach out for clarification or to share details with colleagues.
“It doesn’t just make them feel bad about the information they’ve been given. It makes them feel bad about themselves,” Bullock explained.
The study also revealed striking generational differences. Older workers reported more difficulty processing jargon but were more inclined to ask for clarification. Younger employees, however, were less likely to seek additional information and more hesitant to share what they had understood.
“It gives credence to the idea that younger people are more vulnerable to these workplace dynamics,” Bullock said. “If you’re onboarding younger employees, explain everything clearly.”
This distinction suggests that jargon can deepen divides between age groups in the workplace, undermining inclusion and shared understanding.
The findings highlight a paradox in modern professional environments. While jargon is often used to project expertise or efficiency, its effect may be the opposite—reducing trust and increasing silos. Employees unsure about terminology may withdraw rather than risk embarrassment, ultimately weakening collaboration.
“They weren’t as willing to collaborate,” Bullock noted. “If you can’t ask for more information or share that information downstream, you’re creating silos, and that’s disrupting your workflow and environment.”
Bullock, who has previously researched how jargon affects public understanding of health and science, said her interest in workplace communication grew after noticing how confusing internal terms could obstruct even basic exchanges in her own professional life.
For organisations aiming to strengthen collaboration and employee wellbeing, the research offers a simple, evidence-based recommendation: cut down on jargon.
“Always reduce jargon,” Bullock urged. “The benefit of using jargon doesn’t outweigh the cost.”
Clearer communication, the authors argue, is not just about good etiquette but about safeguarding employee confidence and the ability to work effectively across teams. In practical terms, this could mean reviewing onboarding materials, ensuring managers explain technical language, and fostering a culture where asking for clarification is encouraged rather than penalised.
As workplaces increasingly navigate hybrid environments, diverse teams, and rapid technological change, communication barriers risk becoming more pronounced. Experts warn that failing to prioritise clarity could undermine both morale and productivity at a time when collaboration is more essential than ever.
The study offers a timely reminder that while corporate catchphrases may seem harmless or even efficient, they carry hidden costs. For employees—particularly those new to the workplace—plain language may be one of the simplest ways to ensure inclusion, collaboration, and confidence at work.