Is 'Attrition' the Right Term for Employee Turnover? Let's Discuss Its True Meaning

Word Meaning of Attrition

These days, very often we come across the word 'ATTRITION'. This word is being used in place of Employees turnover in an organization, which was used earlier. I was wondering whether it is the right word. If we go by the dictionary meaning of this word, it says: "the wearing down of an adversary, making them weaker by repeatedly attacking them or the wearing down of resources, i.e. the process of reducing the number of people who are employed by an organization by not replacing people who leave the job." I don't know what the actual literal meaning of the word attrition is and how it has come to be used in place of employees turnover. Can somebody enlighten us on its true meaning?

Dear Peer,

If that's the meaning, then I think the industry is using it rightly, and that's the reason they are suffering from it. 🙄 If the employer takes the employee as an adversary, then the employee will leave sooner rather than later.

However, on a more serious note... let's investigate the reason why it's being used in such a distorted way.

Thanks a ton for this observation. Since I am connected to some BPOs, I will try and find the reason for this.

Regards,
Amul

Attrition is a natural reduction of personnel through death, resignation, or termination.

Like many words, "attrition" also has different meanings based on the context. Here is a good site that gives examples: [YourDictionary - Examples of Attrition](http://www.yourdictionary.com/examples/attrition).

Have a nice day.

Simhan
A retired academic in the UK

Attrition is a sign of increasing dissatisfaction within the workforce. When the number of employees in an organization shrinks, it is termed as attrition. Attrition is the major problem faced by HR experts in the current scenario. To reduce this, placing the right person for the right job at the right time and providing the right pay will help.