A1 Certificate
Form for Confirming Social Security Coverage When Posting Employees to Another EU Country.
HR Knowledge
HR Glossary
141 Technical Terms from Human Resources, HR Software, and Labor Law—Explained in Plain Language for HR decision-makers in the DACH region. From the A1 certificate to time management.
Severance Pay
A one-time payment made by the employer to the employee upon termination of the employment relationship, often as part of a termination agreement.
Process Organization
Organizing the temporal and spatial sequence of work processes within a company.
Rejection of Application
A formal notification to candidates that their application will not be considered further. Professional rejection letters strengthen the employer brand.
Learn MoreAbsenteeism
Frequent, unplanned absences from work—an early indicator of low employee satisfaction.
Learn MorePoaching Employees
Targeting skilled professionals at other companies to recruit them for one's own organization.
Learn MoreAgile Leadership
A leadership approach that focuses on self-organization, iterative work, and rapid adaptation to change.
Agile Human Resources
HR methods that emphasize flexibility, short feedback cycles, and cross-functional collaboration.
Learn MoreEmployees or Workers
Individuals who are employed and perform tasks for an employer in accordance with the employer's instructions.
Learn MoreEmployment Contract
A written agreement between an employer and an employee that sets forth the rights, obligations, and terms and conditions.
Learn MoreEmployer Attractiveness
A measure of how attractive a company is perceived to be as an employer—a crucial factor in the competition for talent.
Learn MoreEmployer's Certificate
Official confirmation from the employer regarding the current or terminated employment relationship.
Learn MoreEmployer Brand
A strategically developed image of a company as an attractive employer (employer branding).
Learn MoreEmployee Data Protection
Protection of employees' personal data in accordance with the GDPR and national law.
Learn MoreWillingness to Work
A state in which employees are present at their workplace and ready to work, but are not actively working.
Learn MoreWork Plan
A detailed list of tasks to be completed, along with timelines and responsibilities.
Learn MoreEmployment Contract
A legally binding agreement that sets forth the terms and conditions of an employment relationship.
Learn MoreWorking-Hour Fraud
Intentional manipulation of recorded working hours by employees.
Learn MoreMandatory Time Tracking
Legal requirement to systematically track the working hours of all employees.
Learn MoreWork Schedule Models
Various forms of work scheduling, such as flex time, part-time work, shift work, or trust-based work hours.
Learn MoreWorkload in the Workplace
A condition in which work demands consistently exceed employees' capacity.
Apprenticeship Certificate
Certificate attesting to the type, duration, and outcome of completed vocational training.
Learn MoreExit Interview Questionnaire
Structured interview conducted when employees leave the company to gather feedback and identify opportunities for improvement.
Learn MoreAuthoritarian Leadership Style
A management style in which decisions are made centrally and instructions are communicated from the top down.
Contribution Assessment Thresholds
Income thresholds up to which social security contributions are levied.
Learn MoreEmployer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
Employer-sponsored retirement savings plans for employees.
Learn MoreWorkplace Health Management
Systematic measures to promote health and well-being in the workplace.
Termination for Business Reasons
Termination due to urgent business needs, such as restructuring or a decline in orders.
Works Council
An elected employee representative body that represents the interests of the workforce vis-à-vis the employer.
Length of Service
The length of time an employee has been continuously employed by an employer.
Learn MorePerformance Review
A structured discussion between a manager and employees to evaluate performance and goal achievement.
Learn MoreConducting a Job Interview
Structured interview to assess candidates' suitability for an open position.
Learn MoreApplication Process
The entire process, from posting job openings through the selection process to hiring new employees.
Learn MoreJob Interview Evaluation Form
A standardized form for the objective evaluation of candidates based on uniform criteria.
Learn MoreEntertainment Receipt
Documentation of business entertainment expenses for tax purposes.
Learn MoreBridge Part-Time Work
Temporary reduction in working hours with the right to return to the previous number of hours.
Learn MoreBurnout Prevention
Measures to Prevent Chronic Exhaustion Caused by Work Overload.
Candidate Journey
The entire process a job applicant goes through, from the initial contact to either being hired or rejected.
Learn MoreCompliance
Compliance with legal requirements, internal policies, and ethical standards within the company.
Data Protection in the Workplace
Protection of employees' personal data in accordance with the GDPR, including access controls and retention periods.
Learn MoreBusiness Trip
Business travel outside the regular place of work for which reimbursement of expenses is provided.
Learn MoreDisciplinary vs. Professional Leadership
Distinguishing between the authority to issue instructions under employment law and professional guidance.
E-Recruiting
Digital recruitment via online job portals, social media, and applicant tracking systems.
Learn MoreCalculate Parental Allowance
Calculation of the state parental allowance based on net income prior to the birth.
Learn MoreParental Leave
Legal entitlement to unpaid leave from work for child care.
Learn MoreLetter of Recommendation
A personal written recommendation from a manager for an employee.
Learn MoreEmployee Engagement
A measure of employees' emotional commitment and active dedication to their employer.
Learn MoreEmployee Lifecycle
The entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment through development to separation.
Learn MoreEmployee Self-Service (ESS)
A digital self-service portal that allows employees to manage their own personal information, absences, and documents.
Learn MoreEmployee Well-Being
The holistic well-being of employees, which encompasses physical, mental, and social health.
Employer Value Proposition
An employer's unique value proposition, which defines its appeal to talent.
Learn MorePayroll Processing
Monthly processing of all compensation components, deductions, and payments to employees.
Learn MoreDevelopment Meetings
Structured dialogs between managers and employees regarding career goals and professional development needs.
Learn MoreFeedback
Constructive feedback on performance, behavior, or results—the foundation for continuous improvement.
Learn MoreHoliday Policy
Legal and company policies regarding work on holidays, including premium pay and compensatory time off.
Learn MoreProfessional Development and Continuing Education
Measures to expand employees' professional qualifications and skills.
Learn MoreLeading from a Distance
Leading teams that work in different locations requires clear communication and digital tools.
Leadership Behavior
The way in which managers interact with their employees and make decisions.
Employer's Duty of Care
The employer's legal obligation to protect the health and well-being of employees.
Statutory Break Times
Mandatory minimum breaks during working hours, depending on the daily working hours.
Learn MoreConversation Skills
Techniques and methods for effectively conducting employee reviews, feedback sessions, and negotiations.
Learn MoreHigh Potentials
Employees with above-average performance and development potential for leadership positions.
Learn MoreHuman Capital Management
A strategic approach to managing and developing human capital as the company's most important resource.
Learn MoreInsourcing & Internal Recruitment
Filling open positions with current employees through internal job postings or transfers.
Learn MoreInternal Recruitment
A recruitment strategy in which open positions are filled primarily with internal candidates.
Learn MoreJob Enrichment
Expanding job responsibilities to include more challenging tasks to boost motivation.
Learn MoreJob Rotation
Systematic rotation of employees among different areas of responsibility to foster skill development.
Learn MoreConstructive Conflict Management
Methods for objectively resolving workplace conflicts that strengthen collaboration and relationships.
Cost Drivers in HR
Factors that significantly influence personnel costs—from employee turnover to absenteeism to overtime.
Learn MoreSick Pay Supplement
A voluntary or collectively bargained benefit provided by the employer to supplement statutory sick pay.
Learn MoreNotice period
The period of time between the notice of termination and the actual end of the employment relationship.
Reasons for Termination
Legally permissible grounds for termination by either the employer or the employee.
Performance-Based Compensation
A compensation system that takes employees' individual performance into account when determining pay.
Learn MoreCable span
Number of employees who report directly to a manager.
Learn MoreLearning Culture
An organizational culture that promotes and values continuous learning and the exchange of knowledge.
Learn MoreIncome Tax Adjustment
Annual reconciliation of overpaid or underpaid payroll tax through the income tax return.
Learn MorePay stubs online
Digital distribution of pay stubs to employees via a self-service portal.
Learn MoreMeeting Culture
The set of rules, customs, and expectations surrounding the conduct of meetings.
Mindful Leadership
A leadership approach that emphasizes mindfulness, self-reflection, and conscious decision-making.
Employees Refer Employees
A recruitment program in which current employees refer candidates from their professional networks.
Learn MoreEmployee Evaluation
Systematic evaluation of employees' performance, competencies, and potential.
Learn MoreEmployee Development
Targeted measures to promote employees' professional and personal skills.
Learn MoreConducting a Performance Review
A structured discussion between a manager and employees regarding performance, goals, and development.
Learn MoreEmployee Handbook
A company document containing policies, values, and practical information for all employees.
Workplace Bullying
Systematic and repeated harassment of employees by coworkers or supervisors.
Mobile Recruiting
Recruitment via mobile devices—optimized career pages, one-click applications, and mobile-first job postings.
Learn MoreMultiposting
Simultaneous posting of job listings on multiple job portals via a central platform.
Learn MoreSuccession Planning
Strategic identification and development of internal candidates for future key positions.
Learn MoreOffboarding
A Structured Process for Employee Departures—Knowledge Transfer, Handover, and Farewell.
Learn MoreOnline Job Interview
Job interviews conducted via a video conferencing tool, which allows for geographical flexibility in the candidate selection process.
Learn MorePersonnel File: Contents
A collection of all relevant documents related to an employment relationship—contracts, references, and certificates.
Learn MoreRecruitment Process
Methods and tools for evaluating and selecting suitable candidates for open positions.
Learn MoreWorkforce Planning
Determining a company's future quantitative and qualitative staffing needs.
Learn MoreWorkforce Planning
Analysis and documentation of the current workforce as a basis for workforce planning.
Learn MoreHuman Resources Management
Key-figure-based management and monitoring of all human resources processes and costs.
Learn MoreEmployee Data
All personal information about employees that is collected in connection with their employment.
Learn MoreEmployee Questionnaire
Standardized form for collecting personal and professional information during the hiring process.
Learn MoreHuman Resources Information System
Software for the centralized management of all human resources-related data and processes (HRIS).
Learn MoreHuman Resources Management
The totality of all measures aimed at recruiting, developing, retaining, and managing employees.
Learn MoreRecruitment Marketing
Measures to position the company as an attractive employer in the job market.
Learn MoreHuman Resources Policy
Principles and guidelines that a company uses to guide its human resources practices.
Termination for Personal Reasons
Termination due to characteristics or abilities of the individual that make continued employment impossible.
Personal Data
Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (GDPR Art. 4).
Learn MoreTermination During the Probationary Period
Termination during the agreed-upon probationary period with a shortened notice period.
Project Management Methods
Structured approaches to planning, executing, and monitoring projects (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid).
Presenteeism
Coming to work despite being sick—the opposite of absenteeism, which is also a risk factor.
Qualified Electronic Signature
Highest level of electronic signature under eIDAS—legally equivalent to a handwritten signature.
Learn MoreQuiet Firing
Passive-aggressive behavior by managers intended to persuade employees to resign on their own.
Recruiting Strategy
A planned approach to attracting the right talent—taking into account channels, target audiences, and employer branding.
Learn MoreTravel Management
Organization and administration of business trips, including booking, approval, and reimbursement.
Learn MoreRemote Onboarding
Onboarding of new employees, which takes place entirely or primarily remotely.
Learn MoreResource Planning
Systematic allocation of personnel, budget, and materials to projects and tasks.
Learn MoreRetention Management
Measures to ensure the long-term retention of top performers and key personnel within the company.
Learn MoreLayer Models
Work schedules with varying working hours, such as two- or three-shift systems.
Learn MoreShift Scheduler
A digital tool for creating, managing, and optimizing shift schedules.
Learn MoreShift Allowances
Additional compensation for employees who work outside regular working hours.
Learn MoreSelf-organization
The ability of teams and individuals to set priorities, assign tasks, and deliver results on their own.
Situational Leadership Style
A flexible leadership approach that adapts the leadership style to the maturity and competence of employees.
Expenses
Work-related expenses reimbursed by the employer—travel expenses, meals, and lodging.
Learn MoreExpense Report
Documentation and reimbursement by the employer of work-related expenses.
Learn MoreMaster Data Management
Centralized maintenance and management of all basic employee data in a single system.
Learn MoreWriting Job Postings
Creating compelling job postings that appeal to the right talent and encourage them to apply.
Learn MoreTalent Pool
A database of qualified candidates who have been pre-screened for future job openings.
Learn MoreCollective Bargaining Agreement
A collective bargaining agreement between a labor union and an employers' association that governs working conditions and compensation.
Team Building
Measures to strengthen cohesion, communication, and collaboration within teams.
Team Building
A systematic process for improving a team's performance and collaboration.
Learn MorePart-Time Work and the Minimum Wage
A combination of reduced working hours and compliance with statutory minimum wage requirements.
Learn MoreOn-the-job training
On-the-job training through hands-on guidance and experiential learning.
Learn MoreDefine corporate values
Defining the core values that guide the corporate culture and the behavior of all employees.
Vacation Entitlement Upon Termination
Calculation of the prorated remaining vacation upon termination of employment.
Learn MoreVacation Entitlement for Part-Time Employees
Calculation of statutory vacation entitlement in proportion to the reduced work hours.
Learn MoreVacation Entitlement During Maternity Leave and Parental Leave
Full vacation entitlement remains in effect during maternity leave and parental leave.
Learn MorePay Overtime
Monetary compensation for overtime worked, rather than time off in lieu.
Learn MoreCalculate Overtime
Determining the number of hours worked in excess of the contractually agreed working hours.
Learn MoreContract Management
Systematic preparation, management, and archiving of employment contracts and supplemental agreements.
Learn MoreExecutive Job Interview
A specialized interview format for executive positions, focusing on leadership skills and strategic thinking.
Learn MoreContract for Work and Materials
A contract under which a contractor is obligated to deliver a specific work or result—as distinguished from an employment contract.
Value-Based Management
A management approach that places sustainable corporate value at the center of all decisions.
Workforce Management
Comprehensive planning, management, and optimization of personnel deployment to achieve corporate goals.
Learn MoreTime Management
Systematic recording, calculation, and analysis of working hours, absences, and overtime.
Learn MoreSupplemental Agreement to the Employment Contract
A supplementary written agreement that amends or expands existing contract provisions.
Learn More
Software Instead of a Dictionary
Knowing the terminology is good. Having the right HR suite is even better.
Abacus Umantis integrates all the processes listed in this glossary into a single platform—from applicant management to time tracking.