Strategic Human Resource Management focuses on linking HR strategies with an organization’s overall objectives. It involves workforce planning, talent development, and performance management aligned with business goals. SHRM helps companies build a competitive advantage through effective people management.
Contract labor includes individuals hired on a temporary or project-based agreement rather than as full-time employees. They work under defined terms, duration, and payment conditions. Companies use contract labor to manage short-term needs, reduce costs, and increase workforce flexibility.
An agency recruiter is a recruiter employed by a staffing or recruitment agency. They identify, screen, and recommend candidates for job openings at client organizations. Agency recruiters help companies fill roles quickly and often specialize in specific industries or job types.
Exempt status classifies employees who do not receive overtime pay, even if they work beyond standard hours. This classification typically applies to executive, administrative, or professional roles that meet specific legal criteria. Employers must follow labor laws carefully when assigning exempt status.
A union is a formal association of workers formed to protect and promote their collective interests. It negotiates with employers on matters such as pay, benefits, job security, and workplace policies. Unions help ensure fair treatment and improved working conditions for employees.
Unconscious bias is the hidden attitudes or assumptions people form without realizing it. These biases can affect decisions related to recruitment, performance reviews, and team dynamics. Organizations address unconscious bias through awareness training and inclusive workplace practices.
Time to productivity refers to the period required for a new hire to become fully effective in their role. It depends on onboarding quality, training, and role complexity. Organizations track this metric to improve onboarding processes and accelerate performance outcomes.
Time to fill refers to the total time it takes to hire a candidate after a job requisition is approved. It tracks the entire hiring process until the selected candidate accepts the offer. Companies use this metric to evaluate recruitment efficiency and workforce planning.
A talent pipeline refers to a group of potential candidates who are nurtured and ready for future hiring needs. Companies build talent pipelines through networking, campus hiring, and ongoing engagement. This approach reduces time-to-hire and ensures access to skilled talent when positions open.
Summary dismissal occurs when an employer ends an employee’s contract immediately because of severe misconduct. Examples include theft, fraud, violence, or serious breaches of company policy. Employers must ensure proper investigation and legal compliance before taking this action.
Succession planning involves preparing internal employees to take over critical positions when leaders retire, resign, or move on. Organizations identify high-potential talent and provide targeted training and development. This ensures business continuity and long-term organizational stability.
A skill gap occurs when employees lack certain abilities needed to meet job expectations or business goals. Organizations identify skill gaps through assessments and performance reviews. Addressing these gaps through training and development improves productivity and competitiveness.
Risk management involves recognizing potential risks that may affect a business and taking steps to minimize their impact. These risks can be financial, legal, operational, or strategic. Effective risk management helps organizations protect assets, ensure compliance, and maintain stability.
Recruitment metrics are data points that help organizations assess their hiring performance. Common examples include time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, and quality-of-hire. HR teams use these metrics to optimize recruitment strategies and improve talent acquisition outcomes.
Recruitment funnel refers to the structured stages candidates pass through during hiring. It typically includes sourcing, screening, interviews, assessment, and offer stages. Companies use the recruitment funnel to analyze drop-off rates and improve hiring efficiency.
Queen Bee describes a situation where a woman in a leadership role avoids supporting or even hinders the advancement of other women. This behavior may stem from workplace competition or bias. Organizations address it by promoting inclusive leadership and gender equity initiatives.
QDRO stands for Qualified Domestic Relations Order. It is a court-approved legal document that assigns a portion of a retirement plan to a spouse, former spouse, child, or dependent. Employers and plan administrators must follow a QDRO when distributing retirement benefits.
Purple squirrel is a recruitment term used to describe an exceptionally qualified candidate who meets nearly every job requirement. Such candidates are rare and difficult to find. Employers often use this term when searching for highly specialized talent.
Psychometric tests are structured tools used in recruitment and employee development to evaluate mental abilities and personality traits. They help employers assess problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and cultural fit. These tests support objective and data-driven hiring decisions.
Presenteeism occurs when employees come to work despite being unwell or mentally disengaged. Although they are present, their productivity and performance may decline. Organizations address presenteeism by promoting employee well-being and supportive workplace policies.