Definition
An employee who is disengaged, going through the motions, and emotionally checked out while physically present. Also called 'most middle managers.'
Example Usage
After his third rejected promotion, Derek became a zombie employee—showing up, attending meetings, producing nothing, and counting days to retirement.
Origin
Informal HR terminology emerging in early 2000s workplace culture discussions.
Fun Fact
Zombie employees cost companies significant productivity losses, yet managers rarely recognize it because the employee appears to be working.
Source: Employee engagement and organizational psychology
Related Terms
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See “Zombie Employee” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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