Not sure what an HR term means? This glossary explains common workplace and human resources concepts in plain language to help employees and employers better understand their rights, responsibilities, and options.

A
 

Accommodation

A change to a job, work environment, or process that enables a qualified employee with a disability or medical condition to perform the essential functions of their job.
 

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

A federal law that prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities and may require employers to provide reasonable accommodations.
 

Adverse Action

An employment decision that negatively affects an employee or applicant, such as termination, demotion, suspension, or failure to hire.
 

Arbitration

A process in which a neutral third party hears a workplace dispute and makes a decision outside of court.
 

At-Will Employment

A legal doctrine that allows either the employer or employee to end the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice or cause, unless otherwise prohibited by law or contract.

B
 

Background Check

A review of a candidate's or employee's history that may include criminal records, employment verification, education, driving records, or other information permitted by law.
 

Benefits

Non-wage compensation provided in addition to salary or hourly pay, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, or life insurance.
 

Bereavement Leave

Time away from work following the death of a family member or loved one, as provided by company policy or applicable law.
 

C
 

Coaching

Informal guidance and feedback intended to help an employee improve performance, build skills, or prepare for future opportunities.
 

Company Culture

The shared values, behaviors, attitudes, and practices that shape how people work together and experience the workplace.

Compensation

The total pay an employee receives for their work, including wages, salary, bonuses, incentives, and other forms of financial reward.

Compliance

Following applicable laws, regulations, and company policies related to employment and the workplace.

Conflict Resolution

The process of addressing disagreements or disputes in a constructive way to reach a fair and productive outcome.

Confidentiality

The responsibility to protect sensitive personal, business, or employee information and only share it with those who have a legitimate need to know.

Constructive Dismissal

A situation where working conditions become so intolerable that an employee feels forced to resign.

Corrective Action

Steps taken to address performance or conduct issues with the goal of helping an employee improve while documenting expectations.

D
 

Development Plan
A structured plan that outlines goals, learning opportunities, and actions to help an employee grow professionally.

Discrimination

Treating an employee or applicant unfairly because of a protected characteristic such as race, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin.

E

EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity)

The principle that all individuals should have equal access to employment opportunities and be free from unlawful discrimination.

Employee Engagement

The level of commitment, motivation, and emotional connection an employee has to their work and organization.

Employee Relations

The practices and processes used to build positive working relationships, resolve workplace issues, and support employees and managers.
 

Essential Functions

The fundamental duties of a position that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Exempt Employee

An employee who is not entitled to overtime pay under applicable wage and hour laws because they meet specific salary and job duty requirements.

Exit Interview

A conversation with a departing employee to gather feedback about their experience and identify opportunities for improvement.

F

Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)

A federal law that provides eligible employees with job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons.

H
 

Harassment

Unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment or affects employment decisions.

Hostile Work Environment

A workplace where unlawful harassment is severe or pervasive enough to interfere with an employee's ability to perform their job.

HR Audit

A comprehensive review of HR policies, practices, documentation, and compliance to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.

HRIS (Human Resources Information System)

Software used to manage employee records, payroll, benefits, recruiting, timekeeping, and other HR functions.

J
 

Job Description

A document that outlines the responsibilities, qualifications, essential functions, and expectations for a position.

L
 

Layoff

An involuntary separation from employment due to business needs rather than employee performance or conduct.

M
 

Manager Coaching

Helping leaders develop the skills and confidence to effectively manage employees, provide feedback, and address workplace challenges.

N

Non-Exempt Employee

An employee who is generally entitled to minimum wage and overtime protections under federal and state wage laws.

O
 

Onboarding

The process of integrating a new employee into an organization through orientation, training, and support.

Organizational Development

A strategic approach to improving organizational effectiveness through leadership development, culture, change management, and employee growth.

Overtime

Hours worked beyond applicable legal thresholds that may require additional pay under wage and hour laws.

P
 

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid leave that employees can use for vacation, illness, personal needs, or other approved absences, depending on company policy.

Pay Equity

The principle of providing fair compensation for substantially similar work regardless of protected characteristics.

Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)

A formal document that outlines performance concerns, expectations, support, and timelines to help an employee succeed.

Performance Review

A structured evaluation of an employee's performance, achievements, and opportunities for development.

Progressive Discipline

A series of increasingly serious corrective actions designed to address performance or conduct issues while giving employees the opportunity to improve.

Protected Class

A group of people protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local employment laws.

Probationary Period / Introductory Period

An initial period of employment during which a new employee's performance and fit are evaluated.

R
 

Reasonable Accommodation

A modification or adjustment that enables a qualified employee with a disability to perform their job or participate in the hiring process.

Reasonable Suspicion

An objective belief, based on observable facts, that an employee may be impaired or violating workplace policies.

Resignation

The voluntary decision by an employee to end their employment.

Retaliation

An adverse action taken against an employee because they reported a concern, participated in an investigation, or exercised a protected legal right.

S
 

Salary vs. Hourly

Salary employees receive a fixed amount of pay each pay period, while hourly employees are paid based on the number of hours worked.
 

Severance Agreement

A legal agreement that may provide pay or benefits after employment ends in exchange for certain commitments by the departing employee.
 

Sick Leave

Time away from work for an employee's illness, medical appointments, or qualifying health-related reasons.

Stay Bonus

A financial incentive offered to encourage an employee to remain with an organization for a specified period.

Stay Interview

A conversation with a current employee to understand what keeps them engaged and what might cause them to leave.

Succession Planning

The process of identifying and preparing employees to fill key leadership or critical roles in the future.

T
 

Termination

The end of the employment relationship, whether initiated by the employer or the employee.

Total Rewards

The complete package of compensation, benefits, recognition, development opportunities, and workplace experiences offered to employees.

W
 

Wage and Hour

The body of laws governing employee pay, minimum wage, overtime, breaks, recordkeeping, and hours worked.

Whistleblower

An individual who reports suspected illegal, unethical, or unsafe conduct and may be protected from retaliation.

Workplace Investigation

A fact-finding process used to examine complaints or concerns about workplace conduct, policy violations, or other employment issues.