HR loves acronyms and jargon. ATS, HRIS, eNPS, FTE—the alphabet soup can confuse anyone new to the field or working with HR from other departments.
This glossary provides clear definitions for common HR terms. Bookmark it for reference when unfamiliar terminology appears.
A-F: ATS to FTE
ATS (Applicant Tracking System) - Software that manages job postings, applications, and the hiring process. Stores candidate information and tracks progress through recruitment stages.
Attrition - The natural reduction in workforce through resignations, retirements, or deaths—distinct from layoffs or terminations.
Benefits administration - Managing employee benefits programs: health insurance, retirement plans, leave policies, and other perks.
Competencies - The combination of skills, knowledge, and behaviors required for successful job performance.
DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) - Organizational efforts to create workplaces where people of all backgrounds can participate fully and fairly.
Employee engagement - The emotional commitment employees have toward their organization and its goals—distinct from mere satisfaction.
eNPS (Employee Net Promoter Score) - A measure of employee loyalty based on willingness to recommend the company as a place to work.
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) - A unit measuring workload. One FTE equals one full-time employee; two half-time employees equal one FTE.
G-L: GDPR to L&D
- General Data Protection Regulation. EU law governing personal data collection, storage, and use—including employee data.