Glossaries

HR and Employment Law Glossary

Term or acronym Definition
Absenteeism The frequent absence of an employee from their job, often tracked for payroll processing.
Affirmative Action Policies and practices aimed at increasing the representation of historically disadvantaged groups in employment.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Methods for resolving disputes outside of the courtroom, such as mediation and arbitration.
Annual Leave Paid time off work granted to employees for holidays or vacations.
Arbitration A method of resolving disputes where an impartial third party makes a binding decision.
At-Will Employment A type of employment in which either the employer or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice. Common in the U.S.
Background Check The process of verifying information provided by a job candidate, including criminal records, education, and employment history.
Bereavement Leave Paid or unpaid leave taken by an employee due to the death of a family member or close relative.
Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) Employment practices that would otherwise be discriminatory but are allowed if they are necessary for the operation of a particular business.
Bonus Additional compensation given to employees on top of their regular salary, often based on performance or company profitability.
Collective Bargaining The process by which employers and a group of employees negotiate terms and conditions of employment, often through a union.
Compensatory Time (Comp Time) Time off given to employees instead of overtime pay for working extra hours.
Constructive Dismissal When an employee resigns due to the employer's behaviour, which has made their working conditions intolerable.
Contract of Employment A legal document outlining the terms and conditions of employment, including duties, compensation, and benefits.
Confidentiality Agreement A contract in which an employee agrees to keep certain information confidential.
Discrimination Unfair treatment of employees based on race, gender, age, religion, nationality, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Practices and policies aimed at creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
Duty of Care The legal obligation of employers to ensure the well-being, safety, and health of their employees.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) A work-based intervention program designed to assist employees in resolving personal problems that may affect their job performance.
Employee Handbook A manual provided by an employer to employees outlining company policies, procedures, and expectations.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) A program that provides employees with an ownership interest in the company.
Employment Contract A formal agreement between an employer and employee outlining the terms and conditions of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Laws and policies that prohibit discrimination in employment based on protected characteristics.
Equal Pay Act Legislation that requires equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender.
Essential Job Functions Fundamental duties of a position that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Exit Interview A meeting with a departing employee to discuss their reasons for leaving and their experience with the company.
Fair Labour Standards Act (FLSA) U.S. federal law that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, recordkeeping, and child labour standards.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) U.S. federal law that provides eligible employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons.
Fixed-Term Contract An employment contract for a specific period of time, after which the employment automatically ends unless renewed.
Flexible Working Employment practices that allow for variations in work schedules and locations, such as telecommuting or flex-time.
Garden Leave A period during which an employee who is leaving a job (having resigned or been terminated) is instructed to stay away from work during their notice period, while still remaining on the payroll.
Grievance Procedure A formal process through which employees can raise concerns or complaints about their workplace or employment conditions.
Gross Misconduct Behaviour by an employee that is so severe it justifies immediate dismissal without notice, such as theft or violence.
Harassment Unwelcome behaviour based on protected characteristics that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment.
Health and Safety at Work Act UK legislation requiring employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees.
Holiday Pay Compensation received by employees for holidays.
Human Resources (HR) The department within an organisation responsible for managing employee relations, benefits, recruitment, training, and compliance with employment laws.
Independent Contractor A person or entity contracted to perform work for another entity as a non-employee.
Industrial Action Activities undertaken by employees, such as strikes or work-to-rule, to enforce demands regarding employment conditions.
Joint Employment A situation in which two or more employers share responsibility and liability for the same employee or group of employees.
Labour Union An organisation of workers formed to protect and advance their rights and interests through collective bargaining.
Layoff Termination of employees due to business reasons such as lack of work, restructuring, or cost-cutting.
Leave of Absence Approved time away from work, which may be paid or unpaid, for reasons such as illness, personal matters, or education.
Maternity Leave Job-protected leave for mothers around the time of childbirth.
Minimum Wage The lowest wage that an employer is legally allowed to pay their employees.
Non-Compete Agreement A contract in which an employee agrees not to enter into competition with the employer after the employment period is over.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) A contract in which an employee agrees not to disclose confidential information obtained during their employment.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Practices and policies aimed at ensuring the health and safety of employees in the workplace.
Onboarding The process of integrating a new employee into an organisation, including orientation and training.
Overtime Hours worked in excess of the standard workweek, typically compensated at a higher rate of pay.
Parental Leave Job-protected leave granted to parents to care for their newborn or newly adopted child.
Part-Time Employment Employment where the employee works fewer hours than a full-time schedule, typically less than 35 hours per week.
Pay Equity The principle of equal pay for work of equal value, ensuring fairness in compensation.
Pension Plan A retirement plan funded by an employer that provides regular payments to employees after retirement.
Performance Appraisal The evaluation of an employee's job performance and contributions to the organisation.
Probation Period A trial period at the beginning of employment during which an employer can assess an employee's performance and suitability for the role.
Protected Characteristics Attributes such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation that are protected by employment discrimination laws.
Reasonable Accommodation Adjustments or modifications provided by an employer to enable people with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Redundancy Termination of employment due to the employer's need to reduce the workforce or eliminate certain positions.
Restrictive Covenant Provisions in employment contracts that restrict the actions of employees after they leave the company, such as non-compete and non-solicitation clauses.
Retirement The period in an employee's life when they permanently leave the workforce, typically due to age.
Return to Work Programme A plan to help employees transition back to work after a period of absence, often due to illness or injury.
Sexual Harassment Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
Sick Leave Paid or unpaid leave taken by an employee due to illness or injury.
Social Security Government programs that provide financial assistance during retirement, disability, or unemployment, often requiring contributions from both employers and employees.
Succession Planning The process of identifying and developing internal employees with the potential to fill key leadership positions in the organisation.
Termination The end of an employee's contract with an employer, which can be voluntary or involuntary.
Trade Union An organisation formed by workers to protect their rights and interests and to negotiate collectively with employers.
Training and Development Organised efforts by an organisation to improve the skills and knowledge of employees