cooling-off period

Definition

A mandatory waiting period before former employees can be rehired, theoretically preventing abuse of severance or unemployment benefits. It's the corporate version of 'you can't come back until you think about what you've done.'

Example Usage

HR enforces a 90-day cooling-off period before rehiring anyone who resigned, even if we desperately need them back.

Origin

Labor relations terminology from the 1940s, originally referring to strike mediation periods

Fun Fact

Some companies waive cooling-off periods for highly valued employees, creating a two-tier system where rules only apply to replaceable workers—meritocracy in action.

Source: HR policy and labor relations terminology

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