Glossary




Hire Smarter.
Grow Your Workforce.

Staffing Industry Terms

Glossary - Staffing industry

In the staffing and recruitment industry, a thorough grasp of specific terminology is essential. This glossary provides concise, clear definitions of the most important terms used in staffing and human resources. It’s an invaluable resource for both seasoned professionals and those new to the field, offering insights into essential concepts and practices that drive effective staffing and talent management. This guide is a key tool for navigating the complexities and nuances of the staffing industry.


Absenteeism

The habitual non-presence of an employee at their job.

Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Software for tracking and managing job candidates.

Background Check

The process of verifying a candidate’s history, including criminal record, employment history, and qualifications.

Benefits Administration

Managing employee benefits such as insurance, retirement plans, sick leave, vacation, etc.

Candidate Experience

The perception of a job seeker about an employer based on the recruiting process.

Career Development

Programs and opportunities offered to employees to advance their skills and career paths.

Compensation

The total amount of the monetary and non-monetary pay provided to an employee by an employer in return for work performed as required.

Compliance

Ensuring adherence to laws and regulations concerning employment.

Contingent Workforce

Non-permanent workers like freelancers, consultants, and temporary workers.

Diversity and Inclusion

Creating a diverse workplace and ensuring all employees feel included and valued.

Employee Engagement

The level of enthusiasm and dedication an employee feels toward their job.

Employee Relations

Managing the relationship between employers and employees, including conflict resolution.

Employer Branding

The reputation and attractiveness of an organization to potential and current employees.

Exempt vs Non-Exempt Employees

Categories of employees based on eligibility for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Work schedules that allow an employee to vary arrival and/or departure times.

Headhunting

Targeted recruitment of high-value candidates.

HR Analytics

Data analysis to inform HR practices and strategies.

Human Capital Management (HCM)

A set of practices related to managing and developing the workforce.

Interviewing

The process of assessing candidates through formal conversations.

Job Analysis

The process of studying and collecting information regarding the operations and responsibilities of a specific job.

Job Description

A written account of a job’s duties, responsibilities, and requirements.

Labor Relations

The management of relationships between the organization and its unionized employees.

Learning and Development

Programs aimed at expanding employees’ skills and knowledge.

Offer Management

Extending job offers and negotiating terms with candidates.

Onboarding

Integrating new employees into an organization and its culture.

Outplacement Services

Assisting laid-off employees in finding new jobs.

Pay Equity

Ensuring all employees are given equal pay for equal work.

Payrolling

Outsourcing administrative and payroll tasks for contingent workers.

Performance Appraisal

The evaluation of employee performance against set standards.

Performance Management

Improving employee performance through objectives, feedback, and training.

Permanent Placement

Finding candidates for permanent employment positions.

Recruiting

Finding and attracting candidates for employment.

Redundancy

The elimination of jobs due to no longer being needed.

Retention Strategies

Methods to keep talented employees within an organization.

Sourcing

Actively searching for and engaging potential candidates.

Staffing Agency

An organization that matches employers with job seekers.

Succession Planning

Preparing for future leadership roles by identifying and developing internal candidates.

Talent Acquisition

Finding and acquiring skilled human labor for organizational needs.

Talent Management

Managing the development of talent within an organization.

Talent Pool

A database of potential job candidates.

Temporary Staffing

Providing employees for short-term assignments.

Total Rewards

The complete package of compensation, benefits, learning opportunities, and other perks offered to employees.

Workforce Management

Optimizing employee productivity.

Workforce Planning

The strategic alignment of an organization’s workforce with its business goals