Ten work buzzwords that took over in 2023

The year 2023 saw the emergence of numerous buzzwords that encapsulated the evolving work culture. These terms, primarily originating from social media platforms, provided insight into the aspirations of the workforce and their transformation in the post-pandemic era. The years 2020 and 2021 were marked by a significant shift in the employment landscape, leading to the phenomenon known as the 'Great Resignation'. In 2023, the term 'quiet quitting' gained prominence. As the boundaries between social media and work culture blurred, and employees adapted to hybrid work patterns, a plethora of new jargon emerged to define the work scenario.

One such term that gained traction was the 'lazy girl job'. This term was popularized by TikToker Gabrielle Judge, who praised the merits of a remote, well-compensated, and relatively stress-free job. The underlying concept of a job that promotes a healthy work-life balance resonated with a vast audience. By December, the hashtag #LazyGirlJob had garnered nearly 40 million views on TikTok. Despite being categorized as a 'girl trend', it was evident that the appeal of a 'lazy girl job' transcended gender boundaries, making it synonymous with a desirable job for all.

Another buzzword that made headlines was the 'summer of strikes'. In February, the UK witnessed the largest strike in the history of the National Health Service, led by health workers. Concurrently, in the US, over 300,000 workers across various sectors, including healthcare, entertainment, auto, and hospitality, staged walkouts. By the end of October, the US had seen 354 strikes involving approximately 492,000 workers, marking the highest level of organized labor activity since 2019. Despite the strikes spanning the entire year, the term 'summer of strikes' became popular, symbolizing the workers' successful fight for improved contracts.