8 workplace buzzwords every leader needs to know

Have you been in a meeting yet where someone casually drops a phrase like:

“Sounds like a bit of shadow AI”  “I think I need a micro-retirement”  “I wish the team had a bit more psychological flexibility”

Not yet?

Well, let’s get prepared just incase!

Here’s a straightforward guide to some terms you may not have heard of.

1. Psychological Flexibility

This is a person’s ability to notice what’s happening internally (stress, frustration, defensiveness, worry) and consciously choose how to respond, rather than reacting on autopilot.

Psychological safety says: I will create the conditions where you can contribute.

Psychological flexibility says: I will manage my internal world so I can lead effectively, even when conditions aren’t perfect.

It’s resilience with awareness. And in a world of constant change, that’s a serious leadership skill.

(Read our long-form blog on Psychological Flexibility.)

2. Task Masking

Task masking is when employees appear productive without delivering meaningful outcomes.

Hybrid work has arguably increased performance theatre. When visibility drops, signalling increases. It’s why outcome-based management matters more than ever.

3. Bare Minimum Monday

According to the BBC, “Bare Minimum Mondays” gained traction on TikTok as a way to combat the “Sunday Scaries” and burnout. The idea is that you start the week gently, with fewer meetings.

This one has completely passed me by... Mondays are often my busiest day.

But it perhaps signals something bigger: people are rethinking energy, not just time when it comes to their working week.

4. Proximity Bias

Proximity bias describes the tendency to favour workers who are physically closer to you.

The term gained popularity as many returned to the office post-Covid, and it continues to surface in discussions about fairness and hybrid equity.

If visibility drives opportunity, hybrid cultures quietly become unequal.

5. Digital Presenteeism

Have you ever wiggled your mouse just to appear online?

That’s digital presenteeism.

It’s the virtual version of walking the office floor to be seen, or arriving early for brownie points.

For some, it’s about always appearing online to signal commitment. For others, it’s the late-night login to showcase work ethic.

For me, it signals trust and culture issues.

Leaders should role model healthy behaviours and actively remove the pressure to perform.

6. Resenteeism

Resenteeism is resentment plus presenteeism.

It’s staying in a job while quietly growing bitter.

There are few things more corrosive than toxicity that isn’t going anywhere. Low turnover doesn’t always mean high engagement.

Sometimes it just means people feel stuck.

7. Shadow AI

Shadow AI refers to employees using AI tools at work without formal approval.

Often driven by positive intent, it's people trying to be more productive. But it can involve unauthorised systems and lead to misuse of sensitive data, regulatory risk or security breaches.

8. Micro-Retirement

Now we are talking! Who’s up for a mini retirement in the middle of their career?

Micro-retirements aren’t long holidays. They’re extended breaks taken intentionally to reduce burnout, travel, pursue personal interests or rethink direction.

Sign me up.

Wait… they’re usually self-funded?

Doh. -------

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