Glossary

What is mental health in the workplace?

Mental health in the workplace refers to employees' psychological, emotional, and social well-being within a shared work environment. Employees with sound mental health have respect for themselves and others, build positive relationships with coworkers, and cope with the daily challenges and responsibilities involved in the workplace.  Why should HR leaders care about mental health in the workplace? Unfortunately, mental health issues are highly prevalent among today's adults, both globally and in the U.S. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 American adults (18.3%) suffer from mental illnesses, and 71% of…

What is e-recruitment?

E-recruitment is the automated process of identifying, attracting, screening, and hiring candidates using online platforms and HR software. This internet recruitment method enables businesses to establish an online presence to connect with candidates. E-recruitinginvolves different sourcing methods such as: Attracting candidates through a company career page  Using job boards to advertise vacancies Incorporating job aggregator sites (job search engines) to consolidate job advertisements from throughout the web    Advertising on social media sites Finding relevant online resumes through search engine optimization (SEO)  Cloud-based HR software also contributes to effective e-recruitment through…

What is an HR business partner?

An HR business partner (HRBP) is a senior HR professional who collaborates with executives to facilitate alignment between business objectives and HR strategy.  An HR business partner represents the HR department to executives, contributing valuable people solutions to drive positive business outcomes. HR influencer Josh Bersin discusses the essential competencies of a high-caliber HRBP, which include:  Integrity Agility Social networking skills Knowledge of the business and its jargon  Digital competency and data analysis Courage and leadership  Empathy  Critical thinking Problem-solving Sandy Allgeier, SPHR, refers to HR business partners as “internal…

What are company perks?

Company perks are perquisites that employers provide employees to assist them in maintaining high productivity and performance levels. Employee benefits, such as health care, retirement, and investment plans, are essential components of compensation. Perks, in contrast, encompass the non-essential, supplementary aspects of the job to improve the employee experience and boost productivity. Popular company perks include:  A company car that doubles as a personal vehiclePaid time off or sabbatical leave Weekly happy hourOnsite childcare Shopping, cinema, or travel discountsFlexible working conditionsOnsite catering or lunch vouchers Why should HR leaders care about company…

What is redundancy pay?

Redundancy pay is the financial compensation that employers offer employees when removing their positions from the organizational structure.  Ideally, organizations will always need all their employees-- recruiting, hiring, and training new people is a significant investment, after all. However, external circumstances, such as company restructuring, job obsoletion, merging or transferring company ownership, relocation, or a downturn in business, can cause role redundancy.  While the United States Department of labor leaves redundancy pay up to the employee-employer agreement, UK law includes basic redundancy regulations for employers to adhere to, in addition…

What is maternity leave?

Maternity leave is time-off that an employer provides an employee upon giving birth to a child. Maternity leave can start before or after birth, enabling the mother to take time off for prenatal and post-natal care. Mothers need time to recuperate, adjust to the monumental life change, and bond with their new child.  Why should HR leaders care about maternity leave? A supportive maternity leave policy can contribute to retention, engagement, productivity, and loyalty, reflecting company compassion and consideration for employee wellbeing. If companies offered a more accommodating maternity leave,…

What is a change management model?

A change management model is a system that strategically assists companies in navigating through periods of transformation and transition. Change management models help organizations successfully undergo transitions that lead to positive outcomes. Kurt Lewin's model, for example, involves a three-step process of change that: Encourages employees to "unfreeze" and release their connection to the status quo Supports acceptance of new practices  Assists employees in remolding, "refreezing," and reinforcing the new ways   Why should HR leaders care about change management models? Employees must demonstrate resilience and a readiness to adapt to…

What is cost per hire?

Cost per hire (CPH) is a recruitment metric that companies use to determine the expense of each stage of the hiring process. The American National standards institute developed this formula to calculate cost per hire:  (External recruiting cost + internal recruiting cost)/ (Total number of hires during the period)  Organizations can benefit from CPH when using it with other essential metrics such as turnover rate, first-year attrition, retention rate, quality of hire, and time to hire. Why should HR leaders care about cost per hire? Planning, creating job descriptions, promoting…

What is a new hire probationary period?

A new hire probationary period is the first stage of employment, during which an employee receives on-the-job training and professional guidance. Usually spanning three to six months and starting on the employee’s first day, the probationary period is an opportunity for the employee and employer to make sure they are a good fit. Why should HR leaders care about the new hire probationary period? The new hire probationary period increases the probability of hiring and keeping high-quality, appropriate candidates. This trial period can be likened to dating, allowing the employer…

What is statutory sick pay?

Statutory sick pay (SSP) is a U.K.-government mandated compensation that employers pay to employees who are too ill to work. SSP regulations require employers to pay a minimum of £95.85 per week for a maximum of 28 weeks.  According to U.K. labor laws, to qualify for SSP, an employee must: Have an employment contract Earn on average £120 per weekShow signs of illness for at least four consecutive non-working daysBe in coronavirus self-isolation or shielding due to high-risk health factors The U.K. instituted statutory sick pay in 1982 to ensure that…

What is mindfulness in the workplace?

Mindfulness in the workplace is an awareness of thoughts, emotions, and actions that enables an objective, collected approach to accomplishing tasks. People tend to distractedly multi-task to cope with their numerous obligations. Mindfulness offers employees a way to prioritize tasks, concentrate on performing them well, and maintain calm through it all.  Why should HR leaders care about mindfulness in the workplace? Mindfulness is a free tool that every employee can utilize, helping to:  Reduce stressMinimize distractionBuild positive work relationships Boost happiness, wellbeing, and purposeIncrease productivity and innovation Mindfulness empowers employees to…

What is employee motivation?

Employee motivation is a staff member's enthusiasm and eagerness to contribute quality work to their company. Genuine employee motivation involves a balance of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation includes external rewards, such as a bonus, positive feedback, or a promotion. Intrinsic motivation refers to the employee's inherent desire to succeed or grow, regardless of external factors. A combination of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation can fuel consistent, high-quality work. Why should HR care about employee motivation? Employee motivation is a prerequisite for employee engagement, retention, productivity, and high-performance. Moreover, a…

What is an employee wellness program?

An employee wellness program is a benefits system designed to help personnel maintain physical, emotional, and mental health. A wellness program should aim to provide an array of creative options that enable employees to nurture their well-being inside or outside the office.  Why should HR leaders care about employee wellness programs? Encouraging staff to address stress and anxiety, maintain a harmonious work-life balance, manage chronic illness, and practice self-care can boost work performance, productivity, engagement, morale, presenteeism, and retention. Moreover, facilitating an effective wellness program can potentially reduce health care…

A notice period is the amount of time between notification of an employee’s departure or dismissal and the employee’s last day at work. The notice period applies to both employees and employers. An employee who intends to resign should inform their employer in advance, and an employer should notify an employee before terminating employment. In the U.S., employment relationships are at-will by default: employers and employees can end the relationship for any legitimate, rightful reason. Because the at-will system can feel insecure, most companies implement employment contracts that define the…

What is Payroll software?

Payroll software is a computer program that automates the payment process for greater efficiency and reliability. The software removes the time-consuming work from HR personnel’s teeming to-do list, reduces error, and guarantees that employees receive correct compensation on-time. Most payroll software offers features such as: Calculating tax withholdings and payment deductions Keeping track of hours worked Printing paper checks Processing digital payments and deposits Providing employee self-services Payroll software enables businesses to comply with complicated government tax regulations, pay employees and independent contractors appropriately, provide efficient, customized payment methods, and…