Baby Boomers definition Baby boomers are people born, according to the US Census Bureau, between the years 1946 and 1964, although the precise window varies. Culturally, baby boomers are those born in the post-World War II boom in population growth. Some commentators ascribe characteristics to baby boomers as a generation, although these labels are controversial. Baby boomers are often seen […]

At-will Employment definition At-will employment is a concept in American law whereby certain employment relationships can be terminated at any time by either the employer or the employee without giving a reason and with no potential for future liability for breach of contract. Employment relationships are only eligible for at-will status if the contract contains no clause on term of […]

Allostatic Load definition Allostatic load refers to the long-term effects of continued exposure to chronic stress on the body. Colloquially, it is often referred to as ‘wear and tear.’ The theory behind allostatic load suggests that the acute stress response in human bodies becomes maladaptive when it is consequently activated in response to chronic stressors. Bodily responses to stress, such […]

Agile organisations are those display Business Agility Business agility refers to distinct qualities that allow organisations to respond rapidly to changes in the internal and external environment without losing momentum or vision. Adaptability, flexibility and balance are three qualities essential to long-term business agility. Business agility is important for firms looking to survive long-term and who work in quick-paced industries. […]

After-acquired evidence definition After-acquired evidence is a term used in employment law to describe evidence that is discovered by the employer, after the employee has been fired, which would have led to the employee being dismissed anyway. It can also be used as a defence to wrongful termination or to limit the damages available to an employee who was wrongfully […]

Boreout definition A management theory that suggests boredom, a lack of meaningful tasks and subsequent lack of mental stimulation is a common problem affecting modern workers, particularly those in office environments where repetitive tasks may be regular occurrences. The term and theory originated in a 2007 book, Diagnose Boreout, by Swiss business consultants Peter Werder and Philippe Rothlin. Boreout was named […]

Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) definition An umbrella term that refers to processes designed to facilitate a resolution between two parties in dispute and prevent litigation. Because litigation is expensive in time and money, many courts now require the use of ADR before they’ll hear a claim. ADR has many benefits over litigation, including lower costs, confidentiality, choice of third party […]

HR word : Fraud Triangle The Fraud triangle is a framework designed to explain the reasoning behind a worker’s decision to commit workplace fraud. The three stages, categorised by the effect on the individual, can be summarised as pressure, opportunity and rationalisation. Broken down, they are: Step 1 – the pressure on the individual – is the motivation behind the […]

HR Word of the day – Déformation Professionnelle Typically translated as professional deformation, déformation professionnelle is a French term referring to a tendency to process the world through one’s professional eyes rather than from a more balanced perspective. The theory behind the term is that professional socialisation can distort an individual’s natural or normal way of processing information. The likely […]

HR word of the day – HR Word of the day – Compassion Fatigue Compassion fatigue, also known as secondary traumatic stress (STS), refers to a diminished ability to feel compassion over time. It is a form of habituation common to those working closely with victims of trauma, such as paramedics, and was originally diagnosed in nurses in the 1950s. […]