Skip to main content
Prepared for Year-End 2024? Click Here to Fill Out Our Form so Payday Can Get You Ready. Let us Handle It

«  View All Posts

Glossary: Human Resources Terms And Definitions

December 24th, 2024 | 3 min. read

By Keith Edwards

an-illustration-with-a-computer-and-other-related-images-to-human-resources

It can be hard to keep track of the meanings of words about a certain topic. When it comes to running a business, it would seem that you are constantly encountering some new word or phrase that you’ll inevitably be googling the definition of.

At Payday HCM, we understand this struggle. We constantly have plenty of clients approaching us with questions about what a word might mean or what this phrase means. Even for us, it can be helpful to have a reference to go back to for those words that you just can’t quite remember the definition of.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of words and phrases related to human resources. We’ll continue to update this list with new words and phrases related to the topic. Be sure to bookmark this page to keep a reference on all things related to human resources.

Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

A software tool used to manage and streamline the hiring process by organizing and tracking job applicants.

Benefits Administration

The management of employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Career Pathing

The process of mapping out potential career progression within an organization.

Compliance Audits

Reviews conducted to ensure an organization’s adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.

Compliance Training

Education provided to employees about laws, regulations, and company policies relevant to their roles.

Conflict Resolution

The process of addressing and resolving disputes or disagreements in the workplace.

a-drawing-of-two-hands-shaking-hands-next-to-text-that-reads-got-your-hands-full-with-hr-question-mark-learn-how-payday-can-lend-a-helping-hand-by-downloading-our-guide

Diversity and Inclusion

Efforts to create a workplace that values and respects diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

Employee Advocacy

Efforts by HR to represent and support employee interests and concerns.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Services offered to employees to help with personal or work-related issues.

Employee Engagement

The level of an employee’s emotional commitment and dedication to their organization.

Employee Handbook

A document outlining company policies, procedures, and expectations for employees.

Employee Recognition

Programs or practices designed to acknowledge and reward employee contributions and achievements.

Employee Retention

Strategies and practices aimed at keeping employees engaged and reducing turnover.

Employee Satisfaction

A measure of how happy and content employees are with their jobs and workplace.

Employment Contracts

Legal agreements outlining the terms and conditions of an employee’s job.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Policies and practices ensuring fair treatment of employees regardless of race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics.

two-people-walk-and-look-at-a-piece-of-paper-together

Exit Interview

A conversation conducted with departing employees to gain insights into their experiences and reasons for leaving.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Employment options that allow flexibility in work hours, location, or schedules.

Grievance Procedures

Formal processes for employees to raise concerns or complaints about workplace issues.

HR Analytics

The use of data and metrics to improve HR decision-making and organizational performance.

HR Branding

The creation of a strong employer brand to attract and retain talent.

HR Compliance

Ensuring all HR practices adhere to laws and regulations.

HR Consulting

Professional services provided to assist organizations with HR strategies and practices.

HR Policies

Guidelines and rules established by an organization to govern employee behavior and processes.

HRIS (Human Resource Information System)

Software used to manage HR processes such as payroll, benefits, and employee data.

Job Analysis

The process of studying a job to determine its duties, responsibilities, and requirements.


two-people-holding-up-a-heart-next-to-text-that-reads-curious-about-benefits-question-mark-learn-how-better-benefits-can-benefit-your-company-by-downloading-our-guide

Job Description

A document that outlines the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for a specific role.

Job Grading

The process of evaluating and categorizing jobs based on their responsibilities and value to the organization.

Labor Relations

The management of relationships between employers and employees, often involving unions.

Leadership Development

Programs designed to build leadership skills and prepare employees for leadership roles.

Mentorship Programs

Structured initiatives pairing less experienced employees with seasoned professionals for guidance and development.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

A government agency responsible for enforcing workplace safety and health standards.

Onboarding

The process of integrating new employees into the organization and equipping them with the tools and knowledge to succeed.

Organizational Behavior

The study of how individuals and groups interact within an organization.

Organizational Development

Strategies aimed at improving the overall health and effectiveness of an organization.

Performance Appraisal

A formal assessment of an employee’s work performance, typically used to provide feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Performance Metrics

Standards or measures used to evaluate employee performance and productivity.

Professional Development

Opportunities for employees to enhance their skills and advance their careers.

a-person-talks-to-two-other-people-at-a-table

Recruitment

The process of attracting, screening, and selecting qualified candidates for job openings.

Strategic HR Management

Aligning HR practices with the long-term goals and strategies of the organization.

Succession Planning

Preparing for future leadership or critical role vacancies by identifying and developing internal talent.

Talent Acquisition

A strategic approach to identifying and recruiting top talent for current and future business needs.

Time and Attendance

Systems used to track employee working hours and absences.

Training and Development

Educational programs designed to improve employee skills and performance.

Work-Life Balance

The ability of employees to balance their work responsibilities with personal life.

Workforce Analytics

The use of data to analyze and optimize workforce performance and decision-making.

Workforce Diversity

Efforts to ensure a mix of different demographic backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in the workplace.

Workforce Planning

The process of analyzing and forecasting workforce needs to align with organizational goals.

Workplace Culture

The values, behaviors, and atmosphere that shape the work environment of an organization.

Workplace Harassment

Unwelcome behavior that creates an intimidating or hostile work environment.

Curious to learn more about Payday’s payroll services. Feel free to download our human resources guide or schedule a meeting with us to learn more about how we can take your business to the next level.

Keith Edwards

Keith Edwards is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a former U.S. Army Captain. He has over 34 years of leadership experience in government, financial services, manufacturing, retail, and non-profit organizations. He assists businesses in improving the bottom line through increased efficiency in payroll processing, time and attendance, employee benefits, and human resources. His goal is to allow your business to focus on revenue-producing activities instead of non-revenue-producing activities to allow business leaders to sleep better at night knowing they are protected from threats related to compliance and tax/financial issues in the areas of payroll and HR.