What Do They Mean By The Phrase "Park It" In The Workplace?
Discover what “park it” really means in the workplace! Learn the origins, scenarios for use, and alternative phrases for when you need to delay discussions and stay on track in meetings.
If you’ve ever been in a meeting and heard someone say, “Let’s just park it,” you might have found yourself wondering, “Park what?” This little phrase is a gem of corporate jargon, intended to redirect focus and manage time.
Far from literal, “park it” is used to put certain discussions on hold, allowing teams to stay on track without getting bogged down. But where did this phrase come from, and who in the office is most likely to say it?
The Origins of “Park It”
The phrase “park it” has roots in the idea of parking something you’ll return to later, much like you would a car.
This metaphor migrated into the office space, initially used in management and strategic conversations, where the term “parking lot” would represent topics that didn’t require immediate attention but shouldn’t be dismissed entirely.
By the 1980s, "parking it" became standard practice in business settings, where staying on point and handling more immediate priorities took precedence.
Scenarios for Using “Park It” in the Office
- Keeping Meetings on Track
Imagine a weekly team meeting where someone raises an idea about a future project. If the topic veers away from the immediate agenda, someone might say, “Let’s park it for now,” to ensure they focus on the current priorities. - In Project Management Discussions
During a project update, complex details or unexpected challenges might pop up. Instead of delving into them right away, a manager might suggest “parking” those issues until a designated follow-up, so they can handle other pressing matters. - In Brainstorming Sessions
When brainstorming, it’s easy to get sidetracked by related but off-topic ideas. Here, “parking it” allows for creative exploration while keeping the primary goal intact. The facilitator might have a "parking lot" section on the board to capture these ideas, ensuring they won’t be forgotten.
Who Says “Park It”?
The type of office people most likely to say "park it" are project managers, senior managers, and facilitators. Essentially, anyone whose role is to steer a meeting, manage time effectively, and maintain focus.
These individuals know that while everyone’s input is valued, there’s often a need to prioritize and delegate discussions accordingly.
Alternative Phrases to “Park It”
- “Table it for now”
This classic is often used in boardrooms and has a similar meaning, where “tabling” implies temporarily setting something aside. - “Let’s put a pin in it”
For those seeking a gentler touch, this phrase conveys the same intent but sounds less like a hard stop. - “Add it to the backlog”
A favourite among tech and development teams, this phrase offers a structured way to prioritize without dismissal, signalling that something will be addressed but isn’t urgent.
Why Do We Use Jargon Like “Park It”?
Corporate jargon can be efficient, allowing professionals to convey intentions without lengthy explanations. Phrases like “park it” help everyone understand that a topic isn’t off the table indefinitely—it’s just saved for a more suitable time. That shared understanding contributes to productivity and fosters teamwork, though it can sometimes seem puzzling to the uninitiated.
Using “park it” well comes down to creating a culture where everyone knows they’ll have a chance to revisit their ideas, ensuring that the office “parking lot” is, after all, a temporary holding space—not a graveyard for good ideas.
