Don’t assume everyone speaks your language

One of the quickest ways to slow down onboarding and dilute the impact of even the best hires is something surprisingly simple: internal language.

Many businesses, particularly in healthcare and larger organisations, rely heavily on acronyms, shorthand, and internal terminology. It works brilliantly for speed and efficiency internally — but it can create a real barrier for new starters.

For someone joining the business, especially in a senior or specialist role, it can feel like stepping into a conversation that’s already been going on for years.

That’s why we recommend something we’ve implemented ourselves: a simple internal glossary.

If your organisation uses a high volume of acronyms or sector-specific shorthand, a shared glossary isn’t “nice to have” — it’s a practical onboarding tool. It helps new hires get up to speed faster, reduces misunderstandings, and gives people confidence in those early weeks when everything is new.

In our own business, we maintain a live glossary for exactly this reason. It ensures that whether someone is joining us, or we’re working closely with clients and candidates, everyone is speaking the same language from day one.

It’s a small thing, but it makes a noticeable difference to how quickly people integrate and perform.

Because clarity in communication isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about helping people feel confident, included, and effective from the start.