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HR Glossary

HR Glossary

Clear definitions for the HR concepts that matter. From performance frameworks to goal-setting methodologies — everything you need to build a stronger people strategy.

Performance

360 Feedback

360 feedback is a multi-source performance assessment where employees receive input from peers, direct reports, managers, and sometimes external stakeholders.

Development

Career Ladder

A career ladder is a visual representation of the job levels and progression paths available within a company, showing the skills and criteria required to advance.

Development

Career Levels

Career levels are the discrete stages of progression within a job family, each defined by distinct expectations for scope, autonomy, impact, and skill — forming the backbone of a career ladder.

Performance

Competency Framework

A competency framework is a structured model that defines the skills, behaviors, and knowledge employees need to perform effectively at each career level.

People Ops

Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is the degree to which employees are emotionally invested in and committed to their work, their team, and their organization — going beyond satisfaction to active contribution.

Analytics

Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS)

Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) measures employee loyalty and advocacy using one question: "How likely are you to recommend this company as a place to work?" Scores range from -100 to +100.

People Ops

Employee Onboarding

Employee onboarding is the process of integrating a new hire into a company — covering orientation, paperwork, training, introductions, and the cultural ramp-up needed to become productive.

People Ops

Employee Recognition

Employee recognition is the formal or informal acknowledgment of an employee's contributions, behaviors, or achievements — a key driver of engagement, retention, and morale.

Development

High-Potential Employee (HiPo)

A high-potential employee (HiPo) is someone identified as having the capability and aspiration to advance significantly beyond their current role and perform effectively at a much higher level.

Development

Individual Development Plan

An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a structured document that outlines an employee's career goals and the specific actions, training, and milestones needed to achieve them.

Goals

OKR (Objectives and Key Results)

OKR stands for Objectives and Key Results — a goal-setting framework used by teams to define ambitious goals (objectives) and track measurable outcomes (key results).

Analytics

People Analytics

People analytics is the use of data and statistical methods to understand, predict, and improve workforce outcomes — from hiring and retention to performance and engagement.

Performance

Performance Calibration

Performance calibration is a process where managers align on employee ratings together to eliminate bias and ensure fair, consistent evaluations across teams.

Performance

Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)

A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a formal documented process addressing sustained below-standard performance. It defines specific improvement targets and a timeline — typically 30 to 90 days.

Performance

Performance Management

Performance management is the ongoing cycle of goal-setting, feedback, development, and evaluation that connects individual work to organizational strategy — from goal planning through review and reward.

Performance

Performance Review

A performance review is a formal evaluation where managers and employees assess job performance, set goals, and align on development priorities — typically quarterly or annually.

Analytics

Pulse Survey

A pulse survey is a short (5–15 question), frequent employee survey — sent weekly, biweekly, or monthly — designed to give organizations a real-time read on employee sentiment and engagement.

Performance

Skip-Level Meeting

A skip-level meeting is a one-on-one between an employee and their manager's manager, giving senior leaders direct insight into team experience and employees a channel above their direct manager.

Goals

SMART Goals

SMART goals are objectives defined using five criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — ensuring goals are clear, trackable, and realistic.

People Ops

Stay Interview

A stay interview is a proactive conversation between a manager and a current employee to understand what keeps them at the organization and what might cause them to leave — before they resign.

People Ops

Succession Planning

Succession planning is the process of identifying and developing employees who have the potential to fill key leadership and critical roles — ensuring continuity when current role-holders leave.

People Ops

Talent Management

Talent management is the strategic, integrated set of HR practices — recruitment, onboarding, performance management, development, and retention — designed to attract, develop, and keep top employees.

Goals

V2MOM

V2MOM is a strategic alignment framework created at Salesforce. It stands for Vision, Values, Methods, Obstacles, and Measures — five components that cascade from leadership to individual contributors.

Ready to put these concepts into practice?

Harmny gives you the tools to run great performance reviews, build career frameworks, and track goals — all in one place.