Understanding HR anglicisms : a guide to avoid getting lost

Understanding HR anglicisms : a guide to avoid getting lost

22 January 2025

In human resources, anglicisms have become ubiquitous. Whether you're talking about successful onboarding or launching a reskilling programme, it's sometimes difficult to follow the conversation without a solid grasp of these terms. But don't panic! This guide decodes the most common HR anglicisms and helps you navigate this hybrid linguistic universe.

Why are there so many anglicisms in HR ?

Human resources, influenced by international practices and tools, adopts many English-speaking terms. These words often sum up key concepts in one word, where French would require a whole sentence. For example, ‘upskilling’ perfectly captures the idea of improving skills. However, for those unfamiliar with these terms, they can sound like unapproachable jargon.

Europe, with its diversity of languages and cultures, often finds itself using English as the lingua franca for professional exchanges. This is particularly true in large multinational companies where English is the official language. In addition, many modern HR concepts originate in the United States or the United Kingdom, which explains why the original terms are used more quickly than any translations.

Top 10 HR anglicisms to know :

Onboarding
Integration process for new employees to help them settle into their new working environment.
Example : "Successful onboarding can increase employee retention by 25%.

Feedback
Constructive feedback given to an employee on their work or skills.
Example : « Regular feedback helps teams to progress. »

Upskilling and Reskilling
Upskilling : Training to develop additional skills in the same field.
Reskilling : Training om nieuwe vaardigheden te verwerven en van baan of beroep te veranderen.
Example : « Reskilling is crucial to meeting market needs. »

Employer Branding
The way in which a company positions itself as an attractive employer.
Example : « Working on your employer branding helps you attract the best talent. »

Talent Acquisition
The strategic recruitment process aimed at attracting the best profiles.
Example : « Talent acquisition goes beyond simple recruitment. »

Employee Advocacy
A programme in which employees become ambassadors for their company, particularly on social networks.
Example : « Employee advocacy boosts employer brand awareness. »

Wellbeing
A concept encompassing the physical, mental and emotional well-being of employees at work.
Example : « Investing in the wellbeing of teams improves their commitment. »

Soft Skills
Behavioural skills such as communication, empathy and stress management.
Example : « Soft skills are valued as much as technical skills. »

Job Crafting
The way in which an employee adjusts their job to make it more in line with their strengths and motivations.
Example : « Encouraging job crafting improves employee engagement. »

Agile
Methodology or corporate culture based on flexibility, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Example : « Agile teams adapt better to rapid change. »

When Anglicisms cause problems

Some English terms can be confusing or misused :

• "Wellbeing" is sometimes reduced to superficial initiatives with no real impact. It can give the impression of a fad, especially when the actions do not follow the rhetoric.
• "Agile" is becoming a catch-all term, with no link to its original definition. Many companies use the term without actually implementing the corresponding methodologies, which creates unrealistic expectations.
• The "feedback sandwich" (criticism surrounded by compliments) is sometimes criticised for its lack of authenticity. Employees can quickly spot this technique and perceive it as manipulation.

These clumsy or exaggerated uses risk diverting attention from the real issues or creating misunderstandings. Finally, excessive use of Anglicisms can marginalise certain employees who do not feel comfortable with these terms, thereby compromising internal communication.