37 Key HR Terms Every Human Resources Professional Needs

If you’re aiming to excel in the corporate landscape, you’ve probably encountered an overwhelming amount of business jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms.

Moreover, you’re also expected to successfully navigate the technical language of your specific department or industry.

Human resources (HR) is a specialized field rich in its own unique vocabulary. Professionals in HR rely on a vast array of terminology to communicate clearly with colleagues and efficiently carry out their responsibilities. Understanding this specialized language is essential for success in the industry.

Feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of new terms in human resources? Don’t worry! Dive into the HR words list below to kickstart your learning journey and make it easier to grasp these concepts.

Top HR English words and phrases 

1. Absenteeism

• Definition: A regular pattern of unplanned and unjustified absences from work in which employees neglect their job responsibilities
• “Implementing employee engagement initiatives significantly reduced absenteeism rates within the organization.”

2. Applicant v. Candidate

• **Definition**: An applicant is someone who has submitted a job application, while a candidate is an applicant who has been screened and selected to compete for the position.
• Example: “There were 55 applicants who submitted their resumes to the hiring manager, but she only chose 3 candidates to interview.”

3. Attrition

• Definition: The willing departure of workers (e.g., retiring) from an organization in which their positions are left unfilled
• “To combat high attrition, HR should ensure departing employees share their knowledge with remaining staff.”

4. Benefits

• Definition: Employee benefits encompass various forms of compensation beyond salary, including health insurance, childcare support, and wellness programs, provided to workers for their contributions to a company.
• “After securing a major client, Rebecca opted for student loan assistance instead of requesting a salary raise.”

5. Compensation / Pay

• Definition: Compensation refers to any payment made to employees for their work, commonly known as “remuneration” in regions outside the U.S. and Canada.
• Example: “Abdul’s company provided him with an impressive compensation package that included a high income, pension pay, health insurance, and stock options.”

6. Compulsory / Mandatory / Obligatory

• Definition: Required by law, rule, or regulation
• “While income tax is mandatory for businesses and employees in most countries, certain nations, such as Kuwait, do not require citizens to pay it.”

7. Confidentiality

• Definition: The state of keeping information private and not sharing it with anyone who isn’t granted access
• “Employees who violate confidentiality agreements by disclosing client personal information publicly will be held responsible.”

8. Credentials / Qualifications

• Definition: Experiences, achievements, certifications, degrees, attributes, or other aspects of an individual’s background that make them fit for a job
• “While the applicant’s academic credentials are impressive, he lacks professional qualifications due to limited real-world experience.”

9. Demote v. Promote

• Definition: “To demote” means to lower an employee’s rank as a disciplinary action, while “to promote” refers to advancing an employee to a higher position due to exemplary job performance.
• “Anna is being demoted from head waiter to server due to frequent excessive breaks, while Tony is being promoted from cook to executive chef for his innovative culinary ideas.”

10. Discrimination

• Definition: Discrimination is the unfair treatment of individuals based on specific characteristics such as age, gender, race, sex, religion, or nationality.
• “Establish clear anti-discrimination guidelines for employees to combat biases against diverse groups.”

11. Dismiss / fire / sack

• Definition: To end the employment of a worker without their agreement; dismiss and fire are more formal terms, whereas sack is an informal expression
• “My boss dismissed our team leader last week due to poor conduct, which I believe should have happened earlier, but my boss is reluctant to fire employees.”

12. Employ / Hire

• Definition: To give someone a job and pay them for their work
• Example: “After employing or hiring new workers, they should be put on the payroll, enrolled in benefits, and complete the onboarding process.”

13. Flexible workplace / Workplace flexibility

• Definition: When employers give their employees non-traditional work options based on location, schedule, job duties, etc.
• “We will implement a flexible workplace offering employees increased opportunities for remote and hybrid work.”

14. Full-time v. Part-time

• Definition: Full-time employment typically involves working 30-40 hours per week, while part-time employment generally means working fewer than 30 hours. However, these definitions may vary based on company policies and local regulations.
• “Mark works full-time, logging 40 hours a week with extensive benefits, while his brother works part-time at 20 hours a week, enjoying a superior work-life balance.”

15. Harassment

• Definition: Any offensive, derogatory, or threatening behavior aimed at an individual or group, such as name-calling or physical assault.
• “The supervisor terminated two employees for harassment and misconduct after they bullied a colleague over her hijab.”

16. Hard skills v. Soft skills

• Definition: Hard skills are measurable technical abilities that can be easily taught, while soft skills are personal attributes that influence work behavior and interpersonal interactions.
• “This candidate excels in both hard skills, particularly data analysis, and soft skills, showcasing strong emotional intelligence.”

17. Holiday v. Vacation

• **Definition:** In American English, a “holiday” refers to an official day off work for a special occasion (e.g., Christmas), while “vacation” means an extended break for personal reasons (e.g., travel). In British English, “holiday” encompasses both meanings.
• Example: “Last week, I had Monday off because it was a public holiday, and in one month, I’m going on vacation to Mexico!”

18. Incentives

• Definition: Various forms of compensation given to employees for high performance or the accomplishment of a set goal
• “Employers can motivate their employees with various incentives, including monetary bonuses, additional paid time off, and thoughtful gifts.”

19. Job description v. Job specification

• Definition: A job description outlines the title, location, purpose, and responsibilities of a position, while a job specification details the necessary credentials, experience, skills, education, and training required for the role.
• Job description: The position demands rapid online article editing. Candidates must have a B.A. in English and possess strong ethics, punctuality, and independence.

20. Outsource

• Definition: To hire workers or companies outside your organization to perform services or produce goods for your firm
• “A large corporation may outsource manufacturing to third-party suppliers for cost efficiency.”

21. Performance appraisal / review

• Definition: Assessment and documentation of an employee’s capability to perform job duties and add value to the organization.
• Example: “A systematic approach to performance appraisals means having a conceptual framework to guide your reviews and ensure equality.”

22. Recruitment

• Definition: The comprehensive process of sourcing, assessing, interviewing, and hiring candidates to fill organizational job openings.
• Example: “The corporation tried to improve their recruitment efforts by fostering an inclusive company culture and enhancing employee appreciation.”

23. Retention

• Definition: The ability to keep workers employed at an organization and prevent them from leaving their jobs
• Example: “Our HR team plans to launch an employee retention strategy that involves implementing a mentorship program.”

24. Retirement

• Definition: The decision to retire from one’s job, typically made by older employees who can sustain themselves financially through their savings.
• Example: “Some organizations offer early retirement packages to long-time employees when they want to reduce the workforce or hire someone new.”

25. Salary

• Definition: A fixed salary is a regular payment made to employees for their work, typically stated as an annual amount and paid monthly.
• “I requested a salary range of $70,000 to $85,000 annually for the content marketing position in my job application.”

26. Training

• Definition: A structured program of activities and training designed to equip employees with the essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively fulfill their job responsibilities.
• “HR managers often implement on-the-job training in the workplace to enhance employee skills and expertise.”

27. Turnover

• Definition: Employee turnover occurs when staff leave an organization—voluntarily or involuntarily—prompting the need for recruitment to fill those positions.
• Example: “If a firm’s turnover rate is high, then hiring managers must determine if they’re selecting the right candidates.”

28. Wage

• Definition: A fixed payment made to employees for their hours worked, typically calculated as an hourly wage and issued on a weekly basis.
• Example: “Starting on December 31, 2022, the minimum wage for workers in New York will be $14.20 an hour.”

29. Work shifts

• **Definition:** Scheduled work periods for specific employee groups, including first, second, and third shifts, as well as fixed, split, rotating, on-call, and 2-3-2 shifts.
• Example: While many prefer daytime work shifts, I enjoy the graveyard shift from midnight to 8:00 AM due to its higher pay.

30. Apply for a job / position

• Definition: A job application is the process of requesting employment by submitting necessary documents, such as an application form, resume, cover letter, work samples, and references, to a company or institution for a specific position.
• “Apply for a freelance graphic designer role at a major publishing company, as the industry is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals.”

31. Be on leave / Take leave

• Definition: Authorized leave from work for reasons such as childbirth, personal matters, illness, or bereavement; duration and pay depend on company policies and labor laws.
• “Maria is currently on maternity leave after welcoming her baby a few days ago, while Sam took leave last month due to the passing of his father.”

32. Cut [something] / Cut down on [something]

• Definition: To reduce or lessen the amount of something
• “The CEO convened a briefing with senior leadership to address the urgent need for cost reductions across all departments to enhance cash flow.”

33. Fill a vacancy

• Definition: Hiring refers to filling a vacant position within a company, which can include newly created roles, existing openings, or anticipated future vacancies.
• “The CEO aims to fill the executive assistant vacancy to enhance productivity and manage workload effectively.”

34. Give notice

• Definition: To inform an employer of your intention to voluntarily leave your job by a specific date
• “HR directors should conduct exit interviews with employees who resign to gather insights on their experiences and enhance future workplace conditions.”

35. Renew / terminate a contract

• Definition: To renew or terminate a formal employment contract that details the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers, including start date, job duties, duration, salary, benefits, and office policies.
• “My manager is unsure whether to terminate or renew the contract of her new employee, who consistently delivers outstanding work but frequently submits it late.”

36. Resign from a job

• Definition: When workers terminate their employment contracts and leave their jobs by choice
• “Severance pay is generally not required for employees who resign, as it is intended for those who are involuntarily terminated or laid off.”

37. Work overtime

• Definition: To labor beyond normal working hours
• Example: “Anthony recorded how many hours he worked overtime on his timesheet so he could be paid the right amount.”

Final words

Navigating the complex world of HR terminology can be quite a challenge. It involves not only memorizing a variety of specialized terms and definitions but also becoming familiar with numerous acronyms and abbreviations that are essential in the field.

This article not only covers key terms for Human Resources professionals but also introduces the HR Glossary by LingualNeeds Business. This valuable resource is perfect for demystifying complex jargon and enhancing your industry knowledge, making it easier for you to navigate HR terminology with confidence.

Diving into an HR terms glossary and utilizing various online resources is an excellent starting point, but there are additional steps you can take to enhance your understanding.

If you’re eager to enhance your team’s business English skills, consider enrolling them in corporate English training with LingualNeeds Business. This opportunity will help boost their communication abilities and professionalism in the workplace.

By taking advantage of tailored one-on-one lessons with experienced tutors, you can actively engage in real business conversations that help you apply new HR terminology. This personalized approach not only enhances your vocabulary but also boosts your skills and confidence as an HR manager!