The SeamlessHR Glossary
Human Resource Terminologies and Definitions
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A process of assigning authority, responsibility, and tasks to other individuals or teams within the organisation. It involves empowering employees to take on specific roles or tasks, granting them the necessary decision-making authority and autonomy to carry out their assigned responsibilities effectively.
An involuntary downward movement of an employee from a higher-level position to a lower-level position within the organisation’s hierarchy. It typically involves a reduction in job responsibilities, authority, and/or compensation.
Unfair treatment or negative actions taken against individuals or groups based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, or nationality. Discrimination is illegal in the workplace under various employment laws.
The presence of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences within an organisation. Diversity encompasses factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, and socio-economic status.
An organisation’s efforts to create a workplace environment that values and respects individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and identities. It involves recognising, appreciating, and leveraging the unique contributions and talents of all employees, regardless of factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or socio-economic status.
The termination of an employee’s employment by the employer, typically due to poor performance, misconduct, violation of company policies, or economic reasons. Dismissal may also be referred to as termination or firing.
The process of reducing the size of a company’s workforce, typically as a cost-cutting measure or in response to changes in business needs. It involves eliminating jobs, positions, or departments within a workplace, often resulting in layoffs or involuntary terminations for affected employees.
The period during which an employee is not actively working or productive, often due to factors such as equipment failure, system downtime, or lack of available work. Downtime may result in reduced productivity and efficiency.
A comprehensive process of investigating, evaluating, and verifying information related to potential employment-related matters, such as mergers and acquisitions, hiring decisions, and legal compliance.
