HR Glossary Simply Explained

Learn HR terminology and foreign words – explained simply and available to look up at any time.
Glossary > Performance & Feedback > Feedback Methods > 270 Feedback

270 Feedback

270 feedback is a versatile assessment method in which an employee's development and performance are evaluated by their supervisor, colleagues, and ex … read more

Synonyms: 270 Review, 270-degree Feedback

Glossary > Performance & Feedback > Feedback Methods > 360 Feedback

360 Feedback

360 feedback is an all-encompassing evaluation of an employee's performance and behavior, collecting input not only from supervisors but also from col … read more

Synonyms: 360 Review, 360-degree Feedback

Glossary > Time Tracking & Work Models > Absence Management > Absence Calendar

Absence Calendar

An absence calendar gives teams and organizations a clear overview of all planned and current absences, such as vacations, sick days, or professional … read more

Synonyms: Abwesenheitskalender, Fehlzeitenkalender, Urlaubsplaner, Abwesenheitsübersicht, Attendance Calendar

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Modern Work Concepts > Activity Based Working

Activity Based Working

Activity Based Working is a modern workplace model that does away with fixed individual desks. Employees select the environment that best suits their … read more

Synonyms: Aktivitätsbasiertes Arbeiten, Activity-Based Work (ABW), Flexible Arbeitsplatzgestaltung, Task-Based Working, Umgebungsorientiertes Arbeiten

Glossary > Development & Training > Digital Learning > Adaptive Learning

Adaptive Learning

Adaptive learning leverages digital platforms to provide personalized training materials matched to the knowledge level and learning pace of each empl … read more

Synonyms: adaptives Lernen, personalisiertes Lernen, differenziertes Lernen, intelligentes Lernen, individualisiertes Lernen

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Modern Work Concepts > Adaptive Work Environments

Adaptive Work Environments

Adaptive work environments are modern, customizable workplaces that align with individual employee needs and tasks. As daily routines and project need … read more

Synonyms: Flexible Arbeitsumgebungen, Anpassungsfähige Arbeitsplätze, Modulare Arbeitsbereiche, Dynamische Arbeitsumgebungen, Individualisierte Arbeitszonen

Glossary > Digitalization & Tools > AI & Automation > Agentic AI

Agentic AI

Agentic artificial intelligence comprises systems that autonomously execute tasks or make decisions toward defined objectives in HR. For example, agen … read more

Synonyms: autonome KI, agentenbasierte KI, selbstständige künstliche Intelligenz, entscheidungsfähige KI, automatisierte Entscheidungsunterstützung

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Culture > Agility

Agility

Agility is the capacity of companies and teams to respond quickly and flexibly to change, market demands, or emerging technologies. Agile methods fost … read more

Synonyms: Agilität, Flexibilität, Reaktionsfähigkeit, Anpassungsfähigkeit, Agile Methoden

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Leadership Styles > Ambidextrous Leadership

Ambidextrous Leadership

Ambidextrous leadership combines efficient organizational management with innovation. Leaders balance stable operations with encouragement of new idea … read more

Synonyms: Dual-Leadership, Bimodale Führung, Innovative Management, Flexibles Leadership, Adaptive Leadership

Glossary > Digitalization & Tools > Integrations & APIs > API (Application Programming Interface)

API (Application Programming Interface)

An API enables different software systems to communicate and exchange data. In HR, APIs are used to integrate time tracking, absence management, or re … read more

Synonyms: Schnittstelle zur Anwendungsprogrammierung, Programmierschnittstelle, Anwendungsprogrammierschnittstelle, API-Schnittstelle, Software-Integrationsschnittstelle

Glossary > Recruiting & Employer Branding > Recruiting Processes > Applicant Management

Applicant Management

Applicant management encompasses all processes related to filling job vacanciesfrom posting openings and confirming applications to shortlisting candi … read more

Synonyms: Bewerbermanagement, Candidate Management, Recruitment Management, Bewerberverwaltung, Talent Acquisition Management

Glossary > Recruiting & Employer Branding > Apprenticeships > Apprentice

Apprentice

An apprentice is a person enrolled in a state-recognized vocational training program. Combining theoretical lessons at vocational school and hands-on … read more

Synonyms: Azubi, Lehrling, Berufsausbildungsteilnehmer, Trainee, Vocational Trainee

Glossary > Recruiting & Employer Branding > Selection > Assessment Center

Assessment Center

An assessment center is a structured selection procedure in which applicants undertake various exercises, interviews, and simulations. The process aim … read more

Synonyms: Eignungsdiagnostik, Assessment-Center-Verfahren, Auswahlverfahren, Talent Assessment

Glossary > Development & Training > Digital Learning > Blended Learning

Blended Learning

Blended learning combines digital education formats with traditional classroom instruction. The mix of online courses, webinars, and in-person worksho … read more

Synonyms: Hybrid Learning, Mixed-Mode Learning, Integrated Learning, Blended Education, Combination Learning

Glossary > Processes & Compliance > Compensation > Bonus

Bonus

A bonus is an additional payment given to employees as recognition for outstanding performance or goal attainment, supplementing regular wages. Bonuse … read more

Synonyms: Prämie, Zahlung für Leistung, Leistungsbonus, Incentive, Erfolgsbeteiligung

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Culture > Bottom-up

Bottom-up

Bottom-up is a change and innovation process initiated by employees and teams, rather than management. Broad participation in decision-making fosters … read more

Synonyms: Mitarbeiterinitiierte Veränderung, Partizipativer Ansatz, Teamgetriebene Innovation, Bottom-up-Ansatz, Kollektive Entscheidungsfindung

Glossary > Digitalization & Tools > Mobile Work > BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

Bring Your Own Device is a concept allowing employees to use their personal smartphones, laptops, or tablets for work purposes. While increasing flexi … read more

Synonyms: Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT), Personal Device Usage Policy (PDU Policy), Employee-Owned Device Program (EODP), Bring Your Own Equipment (BYOE)

Glossary > Development & Training > Talent Development > Competency Management

Competency Management

Competency management comprises all processes for identifying, developing, and strategically deploying the skills and potential of employees. It suppo … read more

Synonyms: Kompetenzmanagement, Skill Management, Fähigkeitenmanagement, Talent Management, Kompetenzentwicklung

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Organizational Development > Crisis Management

Crisis Management

Crisis management includes strategies, procedures, and communication methods employed by organizations during sudden and serious disruptions. Its purp … read more

Synonyms: Krisenbewältigung, Notfallmanagement, Krisenintervention, Krisenreaktionsmanagement, Crisis Response Management

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Retention > Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits

Employee benefits are additional incentives offered by employers beyond basic salary, such as flexible working hours, training opportunities, health p … read more

Synonyms: Mitarbeitervergünstigungen, Arbeitnehmerleistungen, Zusatzleistungen, Employee perks, Fringe benefits

Glossary > Recruiting & Employer Branding > Employer Brand > Employer Marketing

Employer Marketing

Employer marketing includes all activities aimed at positioning the organization as an attractive employer to new talent. Campaigns may utilize social … read more

Synonyms: Arbeitgebermarkenbildung, Arbeitgeberbranding, Talentakquise-Marketing, Employer Branding, Recruitment Marketing

Glossary > Processes & Compliance > Contracts > Employment Contract

Employment Contract

An employment contract is a written agreement between employer and employee that defines rights and duties, including job description, working hours, … read more

Synonyms: Arbeitsvertrag, Anstellungsvertrag, Beschäftigungsvereinbarung, Employment Agreement, Work Contract

Glossary > Performance & Feedback > Goals & Development > Goal Setting

Goal Setting

Goal setting is a collaborative process between managers and employees to establish individual or professional objectives for a defined period. Clear, … read more

Synonyms: Zielvereinbarung, Zieldefinition, Zielsetzung, Performance Goals, Objective Setting

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Health Management > Health Promotion Measures

Health Promotion Measures

Health promotion measures encompass initiatives and programs that support physical and mental well-being among employees. Examples include company spo … read more

Synonyms: Gesundheitsfördernde Maßnahmen, Gesundheitsmanagement-Programme, Betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung, Wellness-Initiativen, Ergonomische Arbeitsplatzgestaltung

Glossary > Time Tracking & Work Models > Remote & Mobile Work > Home Office

Home Office

A home office arrangement enables employees to work from outside traditional company premisestypically from their homes. It enhances flexibility, impr … read more

Synonyms: Telearbeit, Remote Work, Home-Based Work, Fernarbeit, Mobiles Arbeiten

Glossary > Digitalization & Tools > Data & Analytics > HR Analytics

HR Analytics

HR analytics involves systematically analyzing personnel data to support informed decision-making in human resources management. Advanced software sol … read more

Synonyms: Personalanalytik, HR-Datenanalyse, Human Resources Analytics, Mitarbeiterdatenanalyse, Talent Analytics

Glossary > Time Tracking & Work Models > Remote & Mobile Work > Hybrid Work Models

Hybrid Work Models

Hybrid work models combine working at the office with remote work. Employees can choose where they perform their duties, resulting in reduced commutin … read more

Synonyms: Hybrides Arbeitsmodell, Hybridarbeitsmodell, Flexibles Arbeitsmodell, Remote-Office-Kombination, Hybrides Arbeitsumfeld

Glossary > Performance & Feedback > Leadership Development > Leadership Assessment

Leadership Assessment

Leadership assessment refers to regular evaluations that measure a manager's leadership style, behavior, and competencies. Feedback from staff, peers, … read more

Synonyms: Führungskompetenzbewertung, Leistungsbeurteilung von Führungskräften, Führungskräfte-Assessment, Leadership Evaluation, Management Assessment

Glossary > Digitalization & Tools > Process Optimization > Lean HR

Lean HR

Lean HR is an approach to human resources focused on efficient, streamlined processes. By minimizing bureaucracy and emphasizing clear structures, org … read more

Synonyms: Schlanke Personalwirtschaft, Effiziente HR-Strategie, Lean Personalmanagement, Agile HR-Prozesse, Optimierte HR-Methoden

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Health Management > Mental Health

Mental Health

Mental health in the workplace refers to all initiatives and resources supporting employees psychological well-being. This includes counseling, stress … read more

Synonyms: psychische Gesundheit, psychosoziale Gesundheit, mentale Gesundheit, psychische Wohlbefinden, psychological well-being

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Leadership Styles > New Leadership

New Leadership

New leadership describes a contemporary leadership approach characterized by participation, openness, and trust. Managers act as coaches or facilitato … read more

Synonyms: Agile Führung, Partizipative Führung, Transformational Leadership, Coaching Leadership, Führung 4.0

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Modern Work Concepts > New Work

New Work

New Work describes modern working models centered on autonomy, purpose, and self-responsibility. Core elements include flexible hours, innovative work … read more

Synonyms: Agile Arbeitsmodelle, Flexibles Arbeiten, Zukunft der Arbeit, Selbstbestimmtes Arbeiten, New Ways of Working

Glossary > Processes & Compliance > Employee Lifecycle > Offboarding

Offboarding

Offboarding is the structured and transparent process by which departing employees leave an organization. It includes exit interviews, return of compa … read more

Synonyms: Austrittsprozess, Mitarbeitertrennung, Austrittsmanagement, Exit-Management, Abgangsprozess

Glossary > Recruiting & Employer Branding > Employee Lifecycle > Onboarding

Onboarding

Onboarding refers to the targeted integration of new employees into an organization. Through planned induction programs, training, and familiarization … read more

Synonyms: Einarbeitung, Mitarbeitereinführung, Integration neuer Mitarbeiter, Onboarding-Prozess, Einstiegsprogramm

Glossary > Processes & Compliance > Separation Management > Outplacement

Outplacement

Outplacement covers professional advisory and support services offered to employees leaving a company, often as a result of downsizing or reorganizati … read more

Synonyms: Karriereberatung, Abgangsberatung, Outplacement-Services, Transition Management, Job Transition Support

Glossary > Processes & Compliance > Payroll > Payroll

Payroll

Payroll encompasses all processes of calculating and distributing employee salaries, including tax and social security deductions, payments, and compl … read more

Synonyms: Lohnabrechnung, Gehaltsabrechnung, Entgeltabrechnung, Payroll Processing, Compensation Management

Glossary > Digitalization & Tools > Data & Analytics > People Analytics

People Analytics

People analytics applies data-driven analysis to personnel data to inform decisions on workforce planning, development, and retention. By examining me … read more

Synonyms: Mitarbeiteranalytik, Personalanalytik, HR-Analytics, Talent Analytics, People Data Analytics

Glossary > Performance & Feedback > Conversations > Performance Meeting

Performance Meeting

A performance meeting is a focused discussion between managers and staff to evaluate achievements, set objectives, address challenges, and plan develo … read more

Synonyms: Leistungsbesprechung, Performance Review, Zielvereinbarungsgespräch, Entwicklungsgespräch, Performance Evaluation

Glossary > Performance & Feedback > Conversations > Performance Review

Performance Review

A performance review is a regular, scheduled conversation between a supervisor and employee, covering personal development, goal setting, feedback, an … read more

Synonyms: Leistungsbeurteilung, Mitarbeiterbewertung, Performance Evaluation, Performance Appraisal, Entwicklungsgespräch

Glossary > Digitalization & Tools > HR Systems > Personnel Management

Personnel Management

Personnel management encompasses planning, organizing, and controlling all staff-related processes in an organization, including recruiting, developme … read more

Synonyms: Human Resource Management, HR Management, Workforce Management, Staff Management, Personnel Administration

Glossary > Digitalization & Tools > Document Automation > Placeholder

Placeholder

A placeholder is temporary text or a symbol used in digital documents, emails, or forms until the final content is inserted. In HR processes, placehol … read more

Synonyms: Platzhalter, Ersatztext, Temporäre Kennzeichnung, Fülltext, Placeholder

Glossary > Digitalization & Tools > Data & Analytics > Predictive Analytics

Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics applies advanced data methods to forecast future events and trends in HR, such as turnover, workforce needs, or team development. … read more

Synonyms: vorausschauende Analytik, Prädiktive Analytik, Prognoseanalytik, Predictive Modeling, Predictive HR Analytics

Glossary > Development & Training > Talent Development > Professional Development

Professional Development

Professional development comprises any program or activity intended to expand employees skills, knowledge, and qualifications throughout their careers … read more

Synonyms: Berufliche Weiterbildung, Fachliche Entwicklung, Karriereentwicklung, Kompetenzentwicklung, Lern- und Entwicklungsprogramme

Glossary > Development & Training > Talent Development > Professional Development

Professional Development

Professional development includes all measures to systematically build knowledge, expand skills, and prepare employees for new roles. Training, coachi … read more

Synonyms: Berufliche Weiterbildung, Fachliche Entwicklung, Karriereentwicklung, Talententwicklung, Professional Growth

Glossary > Recruiting & Employer Branding > Recruiting Processes > Recruiting

Recruiting

Recruiting refers to the entire process of identifying, attracting, and hiring qualified candidatesfrom creating job postings and evaluating applicati … read more

Synonyms: Talentakquise, Personalbeschaffung, Mitarbeitergewinnung, Recruitment, Candidate Sourcing

Glossary > Recruiting & Employer Branding > Selection > Recruitment Selection

Recruitment Selection

Recruitment selection is the systematic process of identifying and hiring the right candidates for open positions, encompassing advertising, shortlist … read more

Synonyms: Talent Acquisition, Candidate Selection, Hiring Process, Recruitment Process, Staffing Selection

Glossary > Processes & Compliance > Employment Changes > Reduction

Reduction

A reduction refers to the decrease in working hours, income, or additional benefits, which may result from economic changes, organizational restructur … read more

Synonyms: Stellenkürzung, Arbeitszeitreduzierung, Einkommenssenkung, Leistungsreduktion, Personalabbau

Glossary > Time Tracking & Work Models > Remote & Mobile Work > Remote Work

Remote Work

Remote work describes performing job duties from any location outside corporate premises, such as home or co-working spaces. It encourages flexibility … read more

Synonyms: Telearbeit, Fernarbeit, Homeoffice, Remote Employment, Telecommuting

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Health Management > Resilience

Resilience

Resilience denotes the capacity of individuals and organizations to adapt constructively to crises, change, and pressure. Resilient employees maintain … read more

Synonyms: Widerstandsfähigkeit, Anpassungsfähigkeit, Stressresistenz, Belastbarkeit, Flexibilität

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Retention > Retention Management

Retention Management

Retention management involves all strategies aimed at retaining skilled employees and preventing attrition. Key elements include attractive working co … read more

Synonyms: Mitarbeiterbindung, Mitarbeiterretention, Retentionstrategie, Personalbindungsmanagement, Talentbindung

Glossary > Recruiting & Employer Branding > Recruiting Services > RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing)

RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing)

Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) refers to contracting external partners to manage all or part of the recruitment and selection procedure. Organi … read more

Synonyms: Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO), Talent Acquisition Outsourcing, External Recruitment Management, Hiring Process Outsourcing, Staffing Process Outsourcing

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Leadership Styles > Servant Leadership

Servant Leadership

Servant leadership represents a philosophy where managers prioritize the needs and growth of their teams, acting as facilitators rather than controlle … read more

Synonyms: dienende Führung, Servant-Leadership, dienende Leitung, servant leadership, Führung durch Dienst

Glossary > Processes & Compliance > Separation > Severance Pay

Severance Pay

Severance pay is a lump-sum payment provided by the employer to an employee when the employment relationship is terminated, often as part of a termina … read more

Synonyms: Abfindung, Severance Compensation, Abfindungszahlung, Entlassungsentschädigung, Severance Package

Glossary > Time Tracking & Work Models > Timekeeping > Start-Stop Timer

Start-Stop Timer

A start-stop timer is a digital tool for precise tracking of working hours, commonly used for project-based tasks. Employees start and stop the timer … read more

Synonyms: Zeiterfassungstool, Arbeitszeittimer, Projektzeitmesser, Stoppuhr für Arbeitszeiten, Time Tracking Tool

Glossary > Development & Training > Talent Development > Talent Management

Talent Management

Talent management covers all activities related to identifying, attracting, developing, and retaining high-potential employees. It seeks to recognize … read more

Synonyms: Talentförderung, Talententwicklung, Talentstrategie, Talentakquise, Talentbindung

Glossary > Recruiting & Employer Branding > Employment Types > Temporary Work

Temporary Work

Temporary work refers to employment in which workers are contracted by a staffing agency and deployed to other organizations for limited periods. It o … read more

Synonyms: Zeitarbeit, Leiharbeit, Temporäre Beschäftigung, Temporary Employment, Contract Work

Glossary > Processes & Compliance > Separation > Termination

Termination

Termination describes the unilateral decision by an employer or employee to end the employment relationship, either with notice or instantaneously. It … read more

Synonyms: Beendigung des Arbeitsverhältnisses, Kündigung, Entlassung, Termination of employment, Dismissal

Glossary > Processes & Compliance > Separation > Termination Agreement

Termination Agreement

A termination agreement is a mutually agreed contract between employer and employee that ends the employment relationship outside of statutory notice … read more

Synonyms: Beendigungsvereinbarung, Aufhebungsvertrag, Termination Contract, Severance Agreement, Mutual Termination Agreement

Glossary > Time Tracking & Work Models > Timekeeping > Time Account

Time Account

A time account is a personal record of hours worked, typically used to track overtime, flex time, and compensatory leave. Flexible models such as flex … read more

Synonyms: Zeitkonto, Arbeitszeitkonto, Gleitzeitkonto, Überstundenkonto, Flexibilitätskonto

Glossary > Time Tracking & Work Models > Timekeeping > Time Labels

Time Labels

Time labels are categories or tags assigned to tasks, projects, or activities to record time allocation and facilitate analysis. They help organizatio … read more

Synonyms: Zeitkategorien, Zeitmarkierungen, Zeichentags, Time Tags, Time Categories

Glossary > Time Tracking & Work Models > Timekeeping > Time Tracking

Time Tracking

Time tracking includes all systems and processes used to document and analyze employees working hours. It supports payroll processing, legal complianc … read more

Synonyms: Zeiterfassung, Arbeitszeiterfassung, Time Recording, Time Management, Stundenerfassung

Glossary > Time Tracking & Work Models > Timekeeping > Time Tracking

Time Tracking

Time tracking refers to the documentation of the hours employees work, using either digital tools or manual recording. It serves not only for complian … read more

Synonyms: Zeiterfassung, Arbeitszeiterfassung, Time Logging, Stundenerfassung, Time Management

Glossary > Time Tracking & Work Models > Absence Management > Types of Absences

Types of Absences

Types of absences refer to the various reasons why employees may be temporarily away from the workplace, such as vacation, illness, training, or paren … read more

Synonyms: Abwesenheitsarten, Fehlzeitenkategorien, Urlaubsarten, Abwesenheitsgründe, Types of Leave

Glossary > Recruiting & Employer Branding > Applications > Unsolicited Application

Unsolicited Application

An unsolicited application is submitted by a candidate without reference to a specific advertised position. Applicants express their interest, describ … read more

Synonyms: Initiativbewerbung, Spontanbewerbung, Unaufgeforderte Bewerbung, Unsolicited Application, Speculative Application

Glossary > Time Tracking & Work Models > Leave & Absences > Vacation Policies

Vacation Policies

Vacation policies define the organizations rules and procedures for vacation entitlement, application, approval, and substitution. Effective policies … read more

Synonyms: Urlaubsrichtlinien, Urlaubsregelungen, Urlaubsbestimmungen, Vacation Regulations, Leave Policies

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Culture > VUCA World

VUCA World

VUCA World refers to environments characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. HR and leadership teams develop specific strate … read more

Synonyms: VUCA-Umfeld, VUCA-Umgebung, volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous environment, dynamische Unsicherheitslandschaft, komplexe Unsicherheitswelt

Glossary > Other > General > Warning Letter

Warning Letter

A warning letter is a formal notice from the employer to an employee who has violated company policies or contractual obligations. It documents the mi … read more

Synonyms: Abmahnung, Disciplinary Notice, Verwarnungsschreiben, Warning Notice, Disciplinary Letter

Glossary > Digitalization & Tools > HR Strategy > Workforce Planning

Workforce Planning

Workforce planning predicts and manages future staffing needs and capacities by considering business forecasts, turnover, qualifications, and market c … read more

Synonyms: Personalbedarfsplanung, Kapazitätsplanung, Human Resource Planning, Personalplanung, Workforce Management

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Knowledge Management > Working Out Loud

Working Out Loud

Working Out Loud (WOL) is a collaborative practice promoting transparent knowledge-sharing. Employees openly share their progress, experiences, and in … read more

Synonyms: Transparente Wissensweitergabe, Offene Wissenskommunikation, Kollaborative Wissensfreigabe, Wissensaustausch in Netzwerken, Gemeinschaftliches Lernen

Glossary > Time Tracking & Work Models > Flexible Work Time > Working Time Models

Working Time Models

Working time models describe the various ways working hours can be structured in an organization. Examples include flexitime, part-time work, shift wo … read more

Synonyms: Arbeitszeitmodelle, Arbeitszeitregelungen, Flexibles Arbeitszeitmodell, Schichtarbeitsmodelle, Vertrauensarbeitszeit

Glossary > Leadership & Culture > Retention > Work-Life Balance

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance describes the equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life. Organizations support balance through flexible sc … read more

Synonyms: Work-Life Integration, Lebensarbeitsbalance, Work-Life Harmony, Berufliche und private Balance, Work-Life Synergy

Glossary > Processes & Compliance > Co-determination > Works Council

Works Council

A works council is an elected body representing employee interests within a company. The council negotiates workplace agreements, oversees compliance … read more

Synonyms: Betriebsrat, Employee Council, Works Committee, Workplace Council, Staff Council

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