Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

Definition

Legal contract preventing employees from discussing company secrets, salaries, or workplace abuse, essentially buying silence with legal threats.

Example Usage

Part of my severance included an NDA prohibiting me from discussing the reasons for my termination.

Origin

Contract law from mid-20th century

Fun Fact

While NDAs prevent disclosure of trade secrets, courts increasingly question their enforceability regarding wage discussions and harassment.

Source: Employment Law Standards

Related Terms

Intermediate

dead wood

Long-tenured employees who no longer contribute effectively but are difficult to remove due to organizational inertia or legal protections. They're the human equivalent of that clutter you keep meaning to throw out but never do.

👥 Human Resources

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probation

The corporate world's version of "we're not sure about you yet," a trial period where new employees walk on eggshells while pretending everything is fine. It's essentially dating before marriage, except instead of meeting the parents, you're trying to prove you won't accidentally reply-all to the CEO. One wrong move and you're out faster than you can say "cultural fit."

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

A strategic initiative to ensure workplaces represent and support people from all backgrounds. Often abbreviated as DEI, sometimes followed by eye-rolling.

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Advanced

Parachute

The financial package given to departing executives (usually millionaires) to 'land softly,' because apparently regular severance isn't generous enough when stock options are involved.

👥 Human Resources

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Counter-offer

The panicked attempt by a company to keep an employee from leaving by suddenly remembering they're worth something after they've accepted another job.

👥 Human Resources

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position

A role, job title, or status within an organization; also, your strategic stance on a market, competitor, or issue (as in 'what's our position on price increases?').

👥 Human Resources

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