13 buzzwords CFOs should know for H2 2026
New buzzwords emerge every year, but only a handful become part of the conversations CFOs are having.
For the terms that do, many of them originated in human resources or technology circles before spreading into finance. But, as AI adoption accelerates and organizations rethink collaboration and how work gets done, CFOs may be hearing new buzzwords like these from software vendors, stakeholders, fellow executives and their own teams.
Here are 13 pieces of corporate lingo worth knowing during the second half of 2026.
1. AI-washing
As companies devote more money to artificial intelligence, AI-washing has become shorthand for vendors that market basic automation as advanced AI. The phrase reflects growing skepticism around technology claims that outpace real capabilities. Expect to hear it more often as software providers compete for market share and AI budgets.
2. Algorithmic gatekeeping
Algorithmic gatekeeping describes automated systems that make decisions using criteria that are difficult to understand or explain. The idea first emerged around AI-powered hiring, but it now applies to a much broader range of business software. As AI takes on more responsibility, transparency on how it works is becoming a bigger concern.
3. Copilot culture
For many finance teams, AI assistants are becoming as routine as email or spreadsheets. That shift is known as copilot culture, where AI is treated as an everyday partner over just an occasional tool. The phrase has spread quickly alongside enterprise AI adoption.
4. Futureproofing
HR leaders increasingly talk about futureproofing when discussing long-term investments in skills, technology and organizational design. The goal is to prepare businesses for change before disruption forces action.
5. Ghost work
Much of today’s AI depends on work that users never see. That invisible labor is one form of ghost work, although the phrase also describes employees who appear productive without contributing meaningful output. Both definitions have become more common as AI and hybrid work evolve.
6. Ghost jobs
Not every job posting is intended to fill an open position, according to some. Ghost jobs are listings that remain online even though employers have no immediate plans to hire, often to build a candidate pipeline or signal company growth to investors and other stakeholders. The term has gained renewed attention after Texas launched an investigation into LinkedIn over allegations that ghost listings misled job seekers, while New York lawmakers are considering disclosure requirements for large employers posting such roles.
7. Human-agent teams
Instead of replacing employees, some organizations are pairing them with AI. These human-agent teams combine human judgment with software capable of completing tasks or generating insights. The concept is becoming more common as businesses redesign workflows around AI.
8. Human-centered hiring
Hiring has become increasingly automated, but many employers still want people making the final decisions. That’s the thinking behind human-centered hiring, which uses AI to support recruiters rather than replace them. The approach emphasizes transparency, fairness and candidate experience.
9. Internal gig economy
Employees don’t always have to leave their department to develop new skills. An internal gig economy provides workers with opportunities to contribute to short-term projects outside their primary roles. Organizations are using these programs to build talent from within before expanding headcount.
10. New collar jobs
The definition of a qualified candidate continues to evolve. New collar jobs prioritize demonstrated skills over traditional four-year degrees, reflecting the broader shift toward skills-based hiring. More employers are rewriting job descriptions with that philosophy in mind.
11. Predictive people analytics
Predictive people analytics uses statistical models and machine learning to forecast workforce trends before they occur. Chipotle’s former CFO Jack Hartung hinted at his company’s use of this technology in a 2023 interview, and now the fast-casual restaurant chain is an interesting example of how to put this technology in full force. Ultimately, these tools attempt to identify what is likely to happen next and plan accordingly.
12. Shift shock
Sometimes the biggest surprise comes after a new job is accepted. Shift shock describes the gap between expectations during the hiring process and the reality of the role after day one. The term has gained momentum as organizations rethink workplace policies and job design. CFOs working in private equity may have come in contact with this firsthand.
13. Friendshoring
Where companies build products has become just as important as what they build. Friendshoring refers to moving manufacturing or sourcing to countries viewed as trusted geopolitical partners. The strategy has gained attention as businesses adapt supply chains to tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty.
This list was compiled using a mix of sources from Cangrade, Academy to Innovate Human Resources and The Taplow Group.
