Reference

HR Glossary

A growing plain-English reference for essential human resources terms.

ATS

Applicant Tracking System — software used to manage recruiting workflows and candidate information.

Attrition

A reduction in workforce as employees leave and are not replaced.

Compensation

The pay and other financial rewards provided in exchange for work.

Employee engagement

The degree of connection, commitment, and involvement employees experience in their work and organization.

Employee turnover

Employees leaving an organization during a defined period.

Exit interview

A structured conversation with a departing employee to gather feedback.

HCM

Human Capital Management — a broad term for systems and practices used to manage the workforce.

HR

Human Resources — the organizational function responsible for people-related systems and practices.

HRBP

Human Resources Business Partner — an HR role that works closely with business leaders and teams.

HRIS

Human Resources Information System — software used to manage core employee information.

HRMS

Human Resources Management System — a broad term for integrated HR software.

Onboarding

The process of helping a new employee become productive and integrated into an organization.

People Operations

A term often used for an HR function emphasizing employee experience, systems, and operations.

PIP

Performance Improvement Plan — a structured process for addressing significant performance gaps.

PTO

Paid Time Off — paid leave employees can use according to an employer’s policy and applicable law.

Recruitment

The process of attracting, assessing, and hiring candidates.

Retention

An organization’s ability to keep employees over time.

Succession planning

Preparing internal talent to fill critical roles in the future.

Talent acquisition

A strategic approach to identifying, attracting, and hiring talent.

Workforce planning

Forecasting the people and capabilities an organization will need to meet business goals.