/ˈpreɪz-ɡæzəm/
Definition
A spontaneous outbreak of performative enthusiasm resulting from the recognition of an employee for competently executing the baseline requirements of their job description.
Common Symptoms
- Excessive Slack emojis within a 30-second window.
- Cross-departmental email threads titled “Huge shout-out to…!”
- Mandatory “culture moments” during stand-ups to reiterate said shout-out.
- Senior leadership referencing it in the next town hall as “proof our values are alive and thriving.”
Usage Example
“When Barry finally uploaded his timesheet on time, the department achieved a full-body praise-gasam that lasted three sprints.”
HR Guidance
Use sparingly. Frequent praise-gasms can desensitize the workforce and may lead to reduced authenticity, inflated self-esteem, and chronic misuse of the emoji