Leveling

Definition

The process of standardizing job levels and titles across an organization so that compensation can be fairly determined before someone inevitably discovers they're underpaid anyway.

Example Usage

After our leveling exercise, we discovered that our 'Senior Analysts' ranged from 3 to 15 years of experience, earning anywhere from $60K to $130K.

Origin

Tech industry compensation terminology, popularized in 2010s

Fun Fact

Leveling exercises often reveal pay inequities so dramatic they trigger immediate HR crises.

Source: Compensation and organizational design

Related Terms

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Performance Review

An annual ritual where your entire year of work is compressed into a 30-minute conversation and a rating between 1 and 5 that determines your raise, your bonus, and your will to live. It's American Idol but for spreadsheet proficiency.

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Self-Efficacy

An employee's belief in their ability to succeed at tasks. It's the difference between 'I've got this' and 'I'm doomed.'

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salary benchmarking

The practice of comparing your compensation levels against market data to ensure you're paying competitively. The corporate version of checking if you're getting ripped off.

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Paternalistic Management

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reasonable accommodation

Modifications or adjustments enabling employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions, required under the ADA unless they cause 'undue hardship.' It's the legal framework for accessibility that shouldn't need legal framework.

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Repatriation

The process of bringing an international expatriate employee back to their home country office. Often involves culture shock in reverse.

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