Most Popular HR Terminologies for HR
Professionals & Recruiters

We know staying updated with the ever-evolving world of HR terminology can be challenging. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled this cheat sheet—a comprehensive glossary featuring 200+ key terms, abbreviations, and jargon

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360-Degree Feedback

360-degree feedback is a comprehensive evaluation method where feedback is ...

5S Methodology

The 5S methodology is a lean manufacturing tool focused on workplace organi ...

80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)

The 80/20 rule, or Pareto Principle, is a management concept suggesting tha ...

360-Degree Assessment

A 360-degree assessment is an extensive evaluation method similar to 360-de ...

4P's of HR

The 4P's of HR refers to People, Policies, Processes, and Performance, whic ...

A

Absenteeism

Absenteeism refers to regular absence from work without valid reasons, impa ...

Accreditation

Accreditation is the certification that an organization or individual meets ...

Achievement Test

An achievement test measures knowledge or proficiency in a particular area. ...

Action Learning

Action learning is a process where individuals work on real-time projects t ...

Adverse Impact

Adverse impact refers to the discriminatory effects of policies or practice ...

Affirmative Action

Affirmative action consists of measures designed to improve employment oppo ...

After-Action Review

An after-action review is a process of analyzing what happened, why it happ ...

Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software used to manage recruitment a ...

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is an on-the-job training program combined with classroom ...

Arbitration

Arbitration is a method of resolving disputes outside the courts, where a n ...

Assessment Center

An assessment center is a process involving multiple evaluative techniques ...

Attrition

Attrition refers to the reduction in workforce due to resignation, retireme ...

Attrition Rate

The attrition rate is the rate at which employees leave an organization ove ...

Adverse Action

Adverse action refers to steps taken by an employer against an employee, su ...

Assessment Tool

An assessment tool is a method or instrument used to evaluate candidates or ...

B

Background Check

A background check involves verifying an individual's history and credentia ...

Balanced Scorecard

A balanced scorecard is a performance management tool that looks at financi ...

Behavioral Competency

Behavioral competency refers to the skills and behaviors that contribute to ...

Behavioral Interviewing

Behavioral interviewing is a technique where interviewers ask candidates to ...

Benchmarking

Benchmarking involves comparing business processes and performance metrics ...

Benefits Administration

Benefits administration involves managing employee benefits programs, inclu ...

Blended Learning

Blended learning combines online and face-to-face learning methods to provi ...

Blind Recruitment

Blind recruitment removes identifying details from applications, such as na ...

Body Shopping

Body shopping refers to hiring temporary employees through an agency, commo ...

Bonding

Bonding is a financial guarantee to protect the employer from losses caused ...

Bonus

A bonus is additional compensation paid to employees, typically as a reward ...

Benchmark Job

A benchmark job is a position within an industry used as a standard for com ...

Behavior-Based Interview

A behavior-based interview is an interview technique that focuses on past b ...

C

Cafeteria Plan

A cafeteria plan is a benefits plan where employees choose from a variety o ...

Career Development

Career development is the process by which employees progress through diffe ...

Career Pathing

Career pathing involves planning career progression within an organization, ...

Change Management

Change management encompasses approaches to transitioning individuals, team ...

Coaching

Coaching is a method of developing employees through direct feedback and gu ...

Competency Mapping

Competency mapping involves identifying the specific skills, knowledge, and ...

Compliance

Compliance ensures that the organization adheres to laws, regulations, and ...

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution encompasses methods and processes involved in facilitat ...

Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement involves an ongoing effort to enhance products, serv ...

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to business practices involvin ...

Compensation Package

A compensation package is the sum of all financial and non-financial reward ...

Career Counselling

Career counseling involves providing guidance to employees to help them man ...

Competency Framework

A competency framework is a structure that defines the skills, knowledge, a ...

D

Daily Wage

Daily wage refers to the compensation paid to employees on a daily basis fo ...

Data Privacy

Data privacy involves protecting personal information collected, stored, an ...

Deputation

Deputation refers to the temporary assignment of an employee to another pos ...

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I)

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) policies and programs promote a diverse and i ...

Downsizing

Downsizing involves reducing the number of employees within an organization ...

Dual Employment

Dual employment occurs when an employee works for more than one employer si ...

Due Diligence

Due diligence is the thorough investigation and evaluation conducted before ...

Employee Handbook

An employee handbook is a document that outlines an organization's policies ...

Disciplinary Action

Disciplinary action involves corrective measures taken by an employer in re ...

Diversity Quota

A diversity quota is a target or goal set by organizations to ensure divers ...

E

E-learning

E-learning refers to learning conducted via electronic media, typically ove ...

Employee Engagement

Employee engagement represents the emotional commitment and involvement an ...

Employee Relations

Employee relations involve managing the relationship between employers and ...

Employee Retention

Employee retention encompasses strategies and practices aimed at keeping em ...

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a program that provides a compan ...

Employer Branding

Employer branding involves promoting the company as an employer of choice t ...

Employment Contract

An employment contract is a formal agreement between an employer and an emp ...

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is the principle that all individuals sh ...

Exit Interview

An exit interview is conducted with an employee who is leaving the company ...

Expatriate

An expatriate is an employee who is sent to work in another country, usuall ...

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides counseling and support servic ...

Exit Formalities

Exit formalities refer to the procedures and paperwork completed by an empl ...

F

Fair Wage

A fair wage is a wage that is considered fair and just by both employer and ...

Flexible Working Hours

Flexible working hours allow employees to choose their working hours within ...

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is a unit that indicates the workload of an empl ...

Functional Training

Functional training focuses on specific job functions and the skills requir ...

Furlough

A furlough is a temporary leave of employees due to special needs of a comp ...

Flexible Benefits

Flexible benefits refer to a benefits plan that allows employees to choose ...

Flexitime

Flexitime is a flexible work schedule that allows employees to vary their s ...

Formal Training

Formal training refers to structured learning programs provided to employee ...

Form 12B

Form 12B is a declaration form submitted by an employee to their new employ ...

Form 12C

Form 12C is a declaration by an employee to their new employer about previo ...

Form 16

Form 16 is a certificate issued by an employer showing the salary paid and ...

G

Gag Clause

A gag clause is a provision in an employment contract that prevents employe ...

Gamification

Gamification involves using game design elements in non-game contexts to en ...

Gap Analysis

Gap analysis is the process of identifying the differences between the curr ...

Glass Ceiling

The glass ceiling refers to an invisible barrier that prevents certain grou ...

Grievance Procedure

A grievance procedure is a formal process for resolving complaints from emp ...

Grievance Redressal

Grievance redressal refers to the process of addressing and resolving emplo ...

Grievance Handling

Grievance handling encompasses the processes and procedures for addressing ...

Goal Setting

Goal setting is the process of establishing specific, measurable objectives ...

H

Headcount

Headcount refers to the number of employees working in an organization. It ...

Health and Safety

Health and safety encompass regulations and procedures intended to prevent ...

Headhunting

Headhunting is the practice of recruiting individuals for high-level positi ...

High Potential Employee (HiPo)

A high potential employee (HiPo) is identified as having the potential to g ...

Hiring Freeze

A hiring freeze is a policy to temporarily stop hiring new employees. It is ...

HR Analytics

HR analytics involves the application of analytic processes to the human re ...

HR Business Partner

An HR business partner is an HR professional who works closely with an orga ...

HR Generalist

An HR generalist is an HR professional who covers a wide range of HR respon ...

HR Information System (HRIS)

An HR Information System (HRIS) is software or an online solution used for ...

Human Capital

Human capital refers to the value that employees provide through their know ...

HR Audit

An HR audit is a comprehensive review of an organization's HR policies, pra ...

HR Metrics

HR metrics are quantitative measures used to assess HR performance, such as ...

Human Resource Planning

Human resource planning involves forecasting an organization's future HR ne ...

I

Incentive Pay

Incentive pay is additional compensation used to motivate and reward employ ...

Induction Program

An induction program is a process to introduce new employees to the organiz ...

Industrial Relations (IR)

Industrial relations (IR) refer to the relationship between management and ...

Informal Learning

Informal learning occurs outside a structured, formal classroom environment ...

Involuntary Termination

Involuntary termination is the termination of employment by the employer. I ...

ISO Certification

ISO certification indicates that an organization meets international standa ...

Compensation

Incentive compensation refers to variable pay provided to employees based o ...

Inclusive Workplace

An inclusive workplace respects and values individual differences and foste ...

Internal Mobility

Internal mobility refers to the movement of employees within an organizatio ...

Income Tax Return (ITR)

An income tax return (ITR) is a form filed by individuals to report income, ...

J

Job Analysis

Job analysis is the process of studying and collecting information about th ...

Job Description

A job description is a document that describes the general tasks, duties, a ...

Job Enrichment

Job enrichment involves redesigning jobs to make them more challenging and ...

Job Evaluation

Job evaluation is a systematic way of determining the value or worth of a j ...

Job Rotation

Job rotation is the practice of moving employees between different tasks or ...

Job Crafting

Job crafting allows employees to redesign their own jobs to better fit thei ...

Job Design

Job design is the process of structuring jobs to enhance employee satisfact ...

Job Shadowing

Job shadowing is a training technique where an employee observes the work o ...

K

Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

A key performance indicator (KPI) is a measurable value that demonstrates h ...

Knowledge Management

Knowledge management is the process of capturing, developing, sharing, and ...

Knowledge Transfer

Knowledge transfer is the process by which experienced employees share or d ...

Key Result Area (KRA)

A key result area (KRA) refers to specific areas of an employee's job where ...

L

Layoff

A layoff is the temporary or permanent termination of employment due to eco ...

Labor Law

Labor law encompasses the statutes, regulations, and judicial decisions tha ...

Lateral Move

A lateral move is a job change within an organization that does not involve ...

Leadership Development

Leadership development involves activities and programs designed to improve ...

Learning and Development (L&D)

Learning and Development (L&D) is a function within HR aimed at improving t ...

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence is the time an employee is permitted to be away from wor ...

Liaison Officer

A liaison officer is an employee who coordinates communication and cooperat ...

Long-Term Incentive (LTI)

A long-term incentive (LTI) is a reward system designed to align the object ...

M

Mandatory Training

Mandatory training is training required by law or company policy. It ensure ...

Mentoring

Mentoring is a relationship in which a more experienced or knowledgeable pe ...

Merit Increase

A merit increase is a pay raise based on performance. It rewards employees ...

Minimum Wage

The minimum wage is the lowest wage permitted by law or by a special agreem ...

Moonlighting

Moonlighting refers to holding a second job in addition to one’s regular em ...

Multi-Rater Feedback

Multi-rater feedback, also known as 360-degree feedback, is performance fee ...

Maternity Leave

Maternity leave is leave granted to mothers around childbirth or adoption, ...

N

Nepotism

Nepotism is favoritism granted to relatives regardless of merit. It involve ...

Non-Compete Agreement

A non-compete agreement is a legal contract that restricts employees from w ...

Nomination Process

The nomination process is the procedure by which employees are selected for ...

O

Onboarding

Onboarding is the process of integrating a new employee into the organizati ...

Organizational Culture

Organizational culture refers to the values, beliefs, and behaviors that co ...

Organizational Development (OD)

Organizational Development (OD) involves efforts to improve the organizatio ...

Outplacement

Outplacement is assistance provided to employees who are leaving the organi ...

Outsourcing

Outsourcing involves contracting work out to an external organization or in ...

On-call Employment

On-call employment is a type of employment where employees are available to ...

P

Paternity Leave

Paternity leave is leave granted to a father around the birth or adoption o ...

Payroll

Payroll refers to the total amount of wages paid by a company to its employ ...

Performance Appraisal

Performance appraisal is the process of evaluating employee performance aga ...

Performance Management

Performance management is the process of creating a work environment in whi ...

Performance Review

A performance review is a formal assessment of an employee's job performanc ...

Personnel File

A personnel file is a record kept by the employer that contains documents r ...

Phased Retirement

Phased retirement is a gradual transition from full-time work to retirement ...

Policy

A policy is a set of principles or rules adopted by an organization to guid ...

Probationary Period

A probationary period is a trial period during which an employee's performa ...

Q

Quality of Work Life

Quality of Work Life (QWL) refers to the overall quality of an individual's ...

Quantitative Data

Quantitative data refers to data that can be measured and expressed numeric ...

Qualitative Data

Qualitative data is descriptive and non-numerical, often gathered through i ...

R

Recruitment

Recruitment is the process of identifying, attracting, and hiring suitable ...

Redundancy

Redundancy refers to the dismissal of an employee because their job is no l ...

Retention Bonus

A retention bonus is additional compensation provided to employees as an in ...

Return on Investment (ROI)

Return on Investment (ROI) is a measure used to evaluate the efficiency of ...

Role Play

Role play is a simulation exercise in which participants act out various ro ...

Rotational Training

Rotational training involves moving employees through a variety of jobs or ...

RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing)

Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) involves outsourcing some or all recr ...

Recognition Program

Recognition programs are designed to acknowledge and reward employees for t ...

S

Safety Training

Safety training is designed to ensure a safe workplace by educating employe ...

Salary

Salary refers to a fixed regular payment, typically paid monthly, made by a ...

Severance Package

A severance package is compensation and benefits provided to employees upon ...

Shared Services

Shared services are centralized units within an organization that provide s ...

Skill Matrix

A skill matrix is a tool used to assess and document the skills, competenci ...

Social Security

Social Security refers to government programs designed to provide financial ...

Soft Skills

Soft skills are personal attributes that enable someone to interact effecti ...

Staffing

Staffing is the process of hiring, positioning, and overseeing employees wi ...

Statutory Compliance

Statutory compliance refers to ensuring that an organization complies with ...

Succession Planning

Succession planning is a process for identifying and developing future lead ...

SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis is a strategic planning technique used to identify Strengths, ...

Salary Survey

A salary survey is a study conducted to gather information about prevailing ...

T

Talent Acquisition

Talent acquisition is the process of identifying, attracting, and recruitin ...

Talent Management

Talent management involves anticipating the required human capital for an o ...

Task Analysis

Task analysis is the process of studying a job or task to determine its com ...

Team Building

Team building activities are designed to improve team performance, collabor ...

Telecommuting

Telecommuting, also known as remote work or telework, refers to working fro ...

Temporary Employment

Temporary employment involves hiring employees for a limited period to fulf ...

Termination

Termination refers to ending an employment relationship, either voluntarily ...

Time and Attendance

Time and attendance systems are used to track and monitor when employees st ...

Total Rewards

Total rewards refer to the sum of all financial and non-financial rewards p ...

Training Needs Analysis

Training needs analysis is the process of assessing the gap between current ...

Transfer

A transfer involves moving an employee from one job or department to anothe ...

Talent Pipeline

A talent pipeline refers to a pool of potential candidates for future job o ...

Tax Deductions

Tax deductions are amounts subtracted from income to reduce the taxable amo ...

Taxable Income

Taxable income is the total income on which tax is calculated after deducti ...

Tax Refund

A tax refund is the return of excess tax paid to the government after filin ...

U

Union

A union is an organization that represents workers and negotiates with empl ...

Unpaid Leave

Unpaid leave refers to authorized time off from work taken by an employee w ...

Upward Feedback

Upward feedback is feedback provided by employees to their managers, superv ...

User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is a phase of software testing conducted to d ...

Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance is financial assistance provided to employees who lo ...

V

Variable Pay

Variable pay refers to compensation that fluctuates based on individual or ...

Vicarious Liability

Vicarious liability is a legal principle that holds one person or entity re ...

Virtual Team

A virtual team is a group of individuals who collaborate and work together ...

Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS)

A Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) is an early retirement scheme offered b ...

Vendor Management

Vendor management involves managing relationships with external vendors, su ...

W

Wage Garnishment

Wage garnishment is a legal procedure in which a portion of an employee's e ...

Wellness Program

Wellness programs are initiatives designed to promote and support the physi ...

Whistleblower

A whistleblower is a person who exposes information or activities within an ...

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the tot ...

Work Ethic

Work ethic refers to a set of moral virtues and principles that guide an in ...

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance refers to the state of equilibrium between an individual' ...

Workforce Planning

Workforce planning is the process of forecasting an organization's future w ...

Workplace Diversity

Workplace diversity refers to the inclusion of individuals representing mor ...

Well-being Initiatives

Well-being initiatives are programs and activities implemented by organizat ...

X

X Theory

X Theory is a management theory that assumes employees inherently dislike w ...

Xenophobia Awareness

Xenophobia awareness refers to training programs and initiatives aimed at p ...

Y

Y Theory

Y Theory is a management theory that assumes employees are self-motivated, ...

Year-End Review

A year-end review is an annual performance evaluation conducted to assess a ...

Z

Zero-Based Budgeting

Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) is a method of budgeting in which all expenses m ...

Zero Tolerance Policy

A zero-tolerance policy is a strict policy against certain behaviors, such ...