Definition
A temporary transfer of an employee to another department, division, or even organization while maintaining their original employment relationship. It's corporate exchange student programs, but you still have to do actual work.
Example Usage
My secondment to the London office sounds exciting until you realize I'm doing the same job in a more expensive city with worse weather.
Origin
British Commonwealth employment terminology from the early 20th century
Fun Fact
Secondments are popular in professional services and government but rare in U.S. private sector companies, who prefer to just hire consultants instead.
Source: International HR and talent mobility practices
Related Terms
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See “secondment” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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