Human Resources Administration for Administrative Assistants

Expert-defined terms from the Administrative Assistant Certificate course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.

Human Resources Administration for Administrative Assistants

**Absence Management #

** The process of tracking and monitoring employee absences from work, including both planned and unplanned absences such as vacation, sick leave, and family leave. Related terms include: attendance policy, leave of absence, and employee relations.

An effective absence management system helps to ensure that employees are taking… #

This can be achieved through clear communication of absence policies, consistent enforcement of those policies, and the use of technology to track and report on absences.

* **Adverse Impact #

** A term used in employment law to describe a situation where a seemingly neutral employment practice or policy has a disproportionately negative effect on a protected group of employees. Related terms include: discrimination, affirmative action, and disparate treatment.

Adverse impact can be measured using statistical analysis and can be used as evi… #

Employers can take steps to minimize the risk of adverse impact by regularly reviewing their policies and practices to ensure they are fair and equitable for all employees.

* **Affirmative Action #

** A proactive approach to ensuring that all individuals have equal employment opportunities, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Related terms include: diversity, equal employment opportunity (EEO), and discrimination.

Affirmative action plans may include specific goals and timetables for increasin… #

These plans may also include training, outreach, and recruitment efforts aimed at attracting a diverse pool of candidates.

* **Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) #

** A federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, and other areas. Related terms include: disability, reasonable accommodation, and equal employment opportunity (EEO).

The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantial… #

Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship.

* **Compensation #

** The total financial reward an employee receives for their work, including base salary, bonuses, benefits, and other forms of compensation. Related terms include: pay equity, salary range, and performance management.

Compensation should be fair and equitable, and should take into account factors… #

Regular compensation reviews can help to ensure that employees are being paid fairly and that pay practices are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

* **Discipline #

** The process of addressing and correcting employee misconduct or poor performance. Related terms include: performance management, corrective action, and termination.

Discipline should be administered in a fair and consistent manner, and should be… #

Employers should have clear disciplinary policies in place, and should communicate those policies to employees.

* **Diversity #

** The presence of a wide range of characteristics and experiences within a group or organization, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and veteran status. Related terms include: inclusion, equity, and affirmative action.

Diversity can bring many benefits to an organization, including increased creati… #

Employers can promote diversity by creating an inclusive culture, providing diversity training, and implementing affirmative action plans.

* **Employee Relations #

** The process of maintaining positive relationships between employers and employees. Related terms include: communication, conflict resolution, and employee engagement.

Employee relations can be improved through regular communication, recognition of… #

Employee relations can be improved through regular communication, recognition of employee achievements, and the provision of opportunities for professional development.

* **Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) #

** A type of employee benefit plan that gives employees an ownership interest in the company they work for. Related terms include: stock options, profit sharing, and 401(k) plan.

ESOPs can be used as a tool for employee retention and motivation, as employees… #

ESOPs can be used as a tool for employee retention and motivation, as employees who have a stake in the company are more likely to be engaged and committed to its success.

* **Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) #

** A legal principle that prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Related terms include: affirmative action, diversity, and discrimination.

Employers are required to provide equal employment opportunities to all employee… #

Employers are required to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, and to take proactive steps to ensure that their policies and practices are fair and equitable.

* **Ergonomics #

** The study of how workers interact with their work environment, with the goal of designing jobs, equipment, and workstations that are safe and comfortable for employees. Related terms include: workplace safety, musculoskeletal disorder, and repetitive strain injury.

Ergonomic assessments can help to identify potential hazards and make recommenda… #

Ergonomic assessments can help to identify potential hazards and make recommendations for improvements.

* **Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) #

** A federal law that requires employers to provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. Related terms include: leave of absence, military family leave, and serious health condition.

FMLA leave can be used for the birth or adoption of a child, the care of a famil… #

FMLA leave can be used for the birth or adoption of a child, the care of a family member with a serious health condition, or the employee's own serious health condition.

* **Harassment #

** Behavior that creates a hostile or abusive work environment based on a protected characteristic such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Related terms include: discrimination, retaliation, and quid pro quo.

Harassment can take many forms, including verbal, physical, and visual #

Employers are required to take prompt and effective action to address harassment, and to provide training to employees on how to recognize and report harassment.

* **Human Resources Information System (HRIS) #

** A software system used to manage and track human resources data, including employee personal information, benefits, payroll, and performance. Related terms include: talent management, applicant tracking system, and performance management.

An HRIS can help to streamline HR processes, improve data accuracy, and reduce t… #

An HRIS can help to streamline HR processes, improve data accuracy, and reduce the risk of errors.

* **Job Analysis #

** The process of gathering and analyzing information about the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a job. Related terms include: job description, job specification, and competency model.

Job analysis can be used to create job descriptions and specifications, to ident… #

Job analysis can be used to create job descriptions and specifications, to identify training needs, and to establish performance standards.

* **Labor Relations #

** The process of managing the relationship between employers and labor unions. Related terms include: collective bargaining, grievance procedure, and strike.

Labor relations can be challenging, as employers and unions may have different i… #

Effective labor relations require open communication, collaboration, and the ability to find mutually beneficial solutions.

* **Onboarding #

** The process of integrating new employees into the organization, including orientation, training, and socialization. Related terms include: employee engagement, performance management, and retention.

Onboarding is an important part of the employee lifecycle, as it helps to ensure… #

Onboarding is an important part of the employee lifecycle, as it helps to ensure that new employees are set up for success from the start.

* **Performance Management #

** The process of setting performance expectations, providing feedback, and evaluating employee performance. Related terms include: performance appraisal, performance improvement plan, and coaching.

Performance management should be an ongoing process, with regular check #

ins and feedback provided to employees.

* **Recruitment #

** The process of attracting and selecting qualified candidates for employment. Related terms include: applicant tracking system, job posting, and interviewing.

Recruitment can be a time #

consuming and costly process, but it is essential for ensuring that the organization has the right people in the right roles.

* **Reduction in Force (RIF) #

** A reduction in the size of the workforce due to economic or other business reasons. Related terms include: downsizing, layoff, and severance pay.

RIFs can be difficult for both the organization and the affected employees #

Employers should communicate openly and honestly with employees, and provide support and resources to help them through the transition.

* **Sexual Harassment #

** Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or abusive work environment. Related terms include: quid pro quo, hostile work environment, and retaliation.

Sexual harassment can have serious consequences for both the victim and the orga… #

Sexual harassment can have serious consequences for both the victim and the organization, including decreased productivity, increased turnover, and legal liability.

* **Staffing #

** The process of determining the number and type of employees needed to achieve organizational goals, and recruiting, selecting, and training those employees. Related terms include: workforce planning, recruitment, and onboarding.

Staffing is an ongoing process, as the organization's needs and goals may change… #

Staffing is an ongoing process, as the organization's needs and goals may change over time.

* **Training and Development #

** The process of providing

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