administrative leave

Intermediate 👥 Human Resources

Definition

Paid time off that's definitely not a vacation, given while the company investigates whether you did something fireable. It's the corporate equivalent of "go to your room while we decide your punishment."

Example Usage

After the harassment allegations surfaced, the VP was placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the internal investigation.

Origin

Term from government and education sectors, adopted by private sector in late 20th century

Fun Fact

Unlike suspension, administrative leave is typically paid because the employee hasn't been proven guilty of anything yet—it just keeps them away from the workplace during sensitive investigations.

Source: Employment law and HR policy documentation

Related Terms

Beginner

total rewards package

HR speak for 'your salary is disappointing, but look at all these other things!' A combination of pay, benefits, and perks designed to distract you from the fact that your base compensation hasn't kept up with inflation.

👥 Human Resources
Beginner

reference check

The practice of contacting a candidate's previous employers or colleagues to verify their claims and uncover potential red flags. Essentially calling their exes to ask if they were really as great as they claim.

👥 Human Resources
Advanced

right to work

Laws that prohibit requiring union membership or dues as a condition of employment—deceptively named legislation that weakens unions while sounding like it protects worker freedom.

👥 Human Resources
Intermediate

skip level meeting

A one-on-one conversation between an employee and their manager's manager, bypassing the direct supervisor. Designed to provide leadership visibility but often feels like your boss is being investigated.

👥 Human Resources
Intermediate

people analytics

Using data and statistics to make workforce decisions, transforming HR from gut feelings into spreadsheets. It's great until you realize they're tracking your bathroom breaks and email response times.

👥 Human Resources
Advanced

Right-Sizing

A euphemism for layoffs that implies the company was the wrong size before, like a pair of pants that needs tailoring. The people being let go are apparently excess fabric. It sounds strategic instead of devastating, which is the whole point.

👥 Human Resources

Translate This Term

See “administrative leave” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on XShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

bedroom foot ball

The indoor sport of tackling your friends into furniture and walls, typically played by bored teenagers with no regard f...