The last two years have redefined how we work. What was once “the new normal” isn’t so new anymore. More teams are working remotely. Pets and kids are our new “coworkers.” Even how we communicate has changed, too.
We’re mastering video calls, even if we still have to say, “You’re on mute.” We’re also more flexible than ever with new tools and routines. A study from Slack shows that 60% of people working from home are more satisfied than when working in an office.
With that in mind, we think it’s time to define the year with a new word. Here are the top ten Business Word of the Year contenders:
- Me-ssential: adjective
mē·ˈsen·tial
Used to describe self-care items or time that you prioritize, such as blocking out calendar time for walks or setting boundaries
“Noon to 1 p.m. is me-ssential time.”
This Word of the Year nominee sets a healthy intention for the year. A recent Forbes article notes that Americans are working longer hours, and people working more than 55 hours a week had a 35% higher risk of stroke than people working 35-40 hours. That makes a me-ssential focus a worthy goal for the new year.
- Rethrival: noun
re·ˈthrīv·al
The process of coming back after the pandemic even stronger than before
“We’re experiencing a rethrival thanks to our new hires.”
Hoping to set the tone for a year of business rethrival? consider adding new tools like our AI-powered writing assistant to help boost your team’s productivity. Strong leaders are investing in communication now as a key to long-term success.
- Communigreat: noun
com·ˈmu·ni·grāt
A team member with stellar communication skills
“Sara’s a communigreat: Her notes are always clear and complete.”
This is one of our personal favorites because, with Grammarly Business’s support, your team can communicate clearly and efficiently with each other—and your customers.
- Stratiskilled: adjective
ˈstrat·is·kild
Strategically skilled; focused on growth specific to your goals
“José is a stratiskilled negotiator and leader.”
Are you stratiskilled? This may be the year to achieve it, or help your team get the recognition they deserve. Grammarly Business for Windows and Mac works where your team does to improve writing skills by reinforcing your brand’s style and tone.
- Flexpert: noun
ˈfleks·pərt
That teammate who always figures out what to do and how to do it—and they make it look easy
“Tess is a flexpert. They led the project successfully, despite all the challenges.”
Flexpert as Word of the Year celebrates the flexibility, resourcefulness, intelligence, and talent of teammates. One way to streamline tasks, so you have more time to focus on high-value work, is with snippets. A productivity game-changer, they allow you to insert quality, pre-written, on-brand phrases at the click of a button.
- Fur bomb: noun
ˈfər ˈbäm
When your pet makes a cameo during a videoconference meeting; a cat-specific version can be a purr bomb
“Erin, you’ve got a fur bomb sleeping behind you, and it’s really cute.”
Our new “coworkers” might be the most entertaining work-from-home adjustment. We’ve heard snoring dogs, seen playful cats, and witnessed some adorable snuggles. They’ve helped some of us bond and cheered up teammates, an especially important contribution as compassion reserves run low. Maybe this is the year we honor our furry office mates with their own word.
- Greenhousing: verb
ˈgrēn·hau̇·zing
Staging your work area with your best plants to boost your mood or to improve your background during video calls
“Steven is the best at greenhousing. It’s like he’s working in a tropical forest.”
Many people became plant parents during the pandemic. Spending on gardening-related items soared to $8.5 billion in 2020, an increase of 18.7% over 2019. Plants are good company to keep, too. They can give your mood a boost, lower stress, and improve concentration.
- Jammagabbing: verb
ˈjä-məˈgab·ing
Wearing pajamas during work calls
“Meetings before 10 a.m. are cameras-off because the whole team is jammagabbing.”
Is working from home getting really relaxed? You’re not alone. Business Wire found that 60% of teleworkers wear sweatpants daily. But just because attire has become more casual, that doesn’t mean writing has to. Our brand tones help you and your team hit the right note for every communication.
- Blursday: noun
ˈblərz-dā
A day that feels so long that you no longer know what day of the week it is, as it feels like it’s been two or three days
“Rachel’s not here yet because she dialed into tomorrow’s standup—must be a case of the Blursdays.”
During the pandemic, 80% of people said their sense of time was distorted. Without the commute or lunch with colleagues, we find ourselves asking where the time went when it’s already 4 p.m. Or worse—asking how it’s only noon when we thought the day was almost over.
- Spark-tacular: adjective
ˈspärkˈta-kyə-lər
A term used to describe work done so well that it shines
“Rashad did a Spark-tacular job on the Q4 presentation. The client actually stood up and applauded at the end of the call.”
We know spark-tacular writing when we see it. It’s clear, concise, and compelling. Internally, it keeps teams motivated and moving forward. Externally, it captures customer attention and builds trust. Make your messages memorable and help teams communicate effectively in 2022.
Cast your vote!
Start the new year off right with winning writing that turns your team’s communication into a competitive advantage. Learn more about how Grammarly Business helps over 30,000 teams like yours create clear, consistent, and compelling communication. Contact us for a demo or get started today.
