Words hold power: they can go a long way in making people feel seen, heard and appreciated. According to research from the authors behind Words Can Change Your Brain, positive words offer their listeners a mental boost – even increasing quality of life.

And since we spend most of our days at our jobs, we hear many work-related phrases. Some words in particular bring greater joy than others, filling the office with positive vibes. Challenge rounds up seven of them.

1. “Lunch?”

You can’t help but smile when your cheery-eyed foodie colleague nudges you for your midday break. Lunch is an opportune time to take a mental breather, as well as refuel for the second half of the workday. Making small talk over lunch is also a good opportunity to bond with colleagues and expand your professional network.

2. “Need a Second Pair of Eyes on This?”

In the midst of rushing to meet deadlines, we may get lost in the details and forget the bigger picture. Sometimes, another perspective is needed for the task at hand. Having an observant colleague acknowledge this need and offer their help is a great blessing.

3. “Great Job!”

It is encouraging to be recognised for your hard work; being praised for it can also elevate your mood and boost productivity. Fostering a culture of recognition makes people feel appreciated, so don’t hesitate to tell your colleague when they’ve done well.

4. “I’m Grabbing a Coffee/Some Snacks – Want Anything?”

Getting some munchies for everyone boosts team morale and reduces stress. After all, who doesn’t get peckish during the day? Finding out what your colleagues like to eat is also a good conversation-starter and can build stronger rapport. Further, snacks and drinks make your office a more inviting (and delicious) place.

5. “Meeting’s Cancelled; Let’s Do Email Updates.”

Ensuring the best use of everyone's time includes approaching meetings with intention and recognising that, sometimes, discussions can be condensed into a chirpy email update. A strategic mix of group brainstorms and individual deep-focus tasks will help us achieve team goals as well as meet individual deadlines.

6. “Looks Good. Approved.”

Receiving the go-ahead is always welcome news, especially if you’ve worked hard on a project or task. Get a little treat to celebrate – you deserve it! Research shows that it’s important to give our minds some downtime to rest. So, take a breather and engage in your favourite hobby or journal to recharge before embarking on your next endeavour.

7. “Let’s Sleep on This.”

After a long and intense brainstorming session, it’s natural to feel mentally exhausted and like you’re drawing a blank on what to do next. That’s your cue to pause and let your thoughts stew for a while. New insights and perspectives can emerge from a time of soft fascination, enabling you to come back with fresher, more unique ideas.

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