HR & Workplace Glossary

Your comprehensive guide to human resources and workplace terminology

Why This Glossary Matters

Navigate the complex world of human resources with confidence. Our comprehensive glossary definesessential HR terminologythat every manager, employee, and business owner needs to know. From compliance requirements to employee engagement strategies, these definitions help you build better workplaces, make informed decisions, and ensure your team communications are crystal clear.

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Additional Pay

Any compensation earned by an employee beyond their regular base wages or salary. This includes overtime pay, bonuses, shift differentials, and commissions.

Annualized Salary

The total yearly compensation for an employee, regardless of the number of hours worked. It is often used for part-time or temporary roles to express their earnings as a full-time equivalent figure.

Attrition

The gradual and natural reduction in staff numbers as employees leave (e.g., resign or retire) and are not immediately replaced. It is a passive way to reduce workforce size.

Asbestos Rules and Regulations

Federal and state guidelines (primarily from OSHA) that protect workers from asbestos exposure during renovations or demolitions. They mandate specific training, protective equipment, and handling procedures.

Action Item

A specific, discrete task or activity that is assigned to an individual or team to complete. It is a concrete step taken to achieve a larger goal or address an issue.

Absenteeism Policy

A company policy that defines acceptable attendance, outlines procedures for reporting absences, and details the consequences for excessive or unexcused time off.

Adverse Impact

A seemingly neutral employment practice that disproportionately affects a protected group (based on race, gender, etc.) and is not job-related. It is a key concept in discrimination law.

Age Discrimination

The illegal practice of treating an employee or job applicant less favorably because of their age. This is prohibited by laws like the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).

All-Hands Company Meeting

A meeting that includes every employee of an organization, from leadership to individual contributors. Its purpose is to share company-wide news, updates, and foster transparency and unity.

At-Will Employment

A legal doctrine allowing either the employer or employee to terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, without advance notice. Most U.S. employment relationships are at-will, though exceptions exist for discrimination, retaliation, or contract violations.

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Biweekly Pay

A pay schedule where employees are paid every two weeks, resulting in 26 pay periods per year. It is one of the most common pay frequencies.

Background Checks

The process of verifying a job candidate's employment history, education, criminal record, and other relevant information. Must comply with Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and state laws regarding what can be checked and when.

Base Wage Rate

The standard hourly pay rate for a specific job, excluding overtime, bonuses, or other forms of additional pay. It is the foundation for calculating total earnings.

Base Pay

The initial rate of compensation an employee receives in exchange for services, excluding extra financial benefits. It can be expressed as an hourly wage or an annual salary.

Basic Salary

The fixed amount of money an employee is paid, excluding any bonuses, benefits, or other additional compensation. It is the core earnings before deductions.

Behavioral Interviewing

A hiring technique where candidates are asked to describe past experiences and behaviors to predict their future performance. Questions often start with "Tell me about a time when...".

Benefit Enrollment Form

A document employees use to select their preferred insurance and other company benefits. It authorizes payroll deductions and communicates choices to the benefits provider.

Benefits Manager

An HR professional responsible for researching, selecting, and administering an organization's employee benefits programs. They manage health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.

Bereavement Leave

Paid or unpaid time off granted to an employee following the death of a close family member. It allows the employee time to grieve and handle arrangements.

Blended Workforce

A workforce that consists of a mix of full-time employees and contingent workers, such as freelancers, contractors, and temporary staff. This offers flexibility and specialized skills.

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COBRA Insurance

A federal law that allows employees and their families to continue their group health insurance coverage for a limited time after losing their job or experiencing another qualifying event.

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Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Federal law establishing minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards. It determines which employees are entitled to overtime pay and governs how hours worked are calculated.

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Shift Differential

Additional pay given to employees who work less desirable hours, such as nights, weekends, or holidays. Common in healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries to incentivize coverage during difficult shifts.

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