HR Glosary: Important HR Words & Definitions You Should Know

Human resources (HR) is a vast domain that encompasses a plethora of terms, definitions, and concepts. For those new to the industry or even seasoned professionals looking for a refresher, this comprehensive glossary serves as a guide to some of the most essential HR words and their definitions.

HR Glossary: Key Terms and Definitions

Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

A software application designed to automate the recruitment process, from receiving resumes to hiring employees. It streamlines operations, ensuring that the hiring process is efficient and bias-free.

Benefits Administration

The process of designing, implementing, and managing employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Collective Bargaining

Negotiation between an employer and a labor union to determine the terms of employment, such as wages, working hours, and other conditions.

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I)

D&I refers to strategies and initiatives aimed at promoting a diverse workplace and ensuring that all employees, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities and are treated with respect.

Employee Engagement

A measure of an employee's emotional commitment and attachment to their job and the company. Highly engaged employees are more productive and less likely to leave the company.

Employee Onboarding

The process of integrating new hires into the company and familiarizing them with the organizational culture, tools, and roles.

Employee Turnover Rate

A metric that calculates the number of employees who leave an organization over a specific period, usually annually, relative to the average number of employees during that period.

Employment Equity

Policies and practices aimed at addressing historic disadvantages and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all.

Human Capital Management (HCM)

A set of practices focused on acquiring, training, managing, and retaining employees to maximize their value to the organization.

Job Analysis

A systematic process of identifying the duties, responsibilities, necessary skills, and outcomes of a specific job.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Metrics used to measure the success of an individual, department, or organization in achieving its objectives.

Learning Management System (LMS)

A digital platform designed to manage, deliver, and track educational courses and training programs.

Performance Appraisal

A periodic review and evaluation of an employee's job performance and contribution to the organization.

Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO)

A form of business process outsourcing where an employer transfers all or part of its recruitment processes to an external service provider.

Succession Planning

A process to identify and develop potential future leaders or senior managers, as well as individuals to fill other business-critical positions.

Talent Acquisition

A strategic approach to identifying, attracting, and onboarding top talent to efficiently and effectively meet dynamic business needs.

Workforce Analytics

Use of data analysis techniques to understand, improve, and optimize workforce performance and processes.

Work-life Balance

The equilibrium between personal life and career work, emphasizing a balance between the demands of these two sides.

This glossary is by no means exhaustive, but it provides a solid foundation for understanding key HR terms. As the field of HR continues to evolve, new terms and concepts will emerge, underscoring the importance of continuous learning and staying updated.