Vacancy
An open position an organisation intends to fill.
A vacancy is a role that is unoccupied and that the organisation intends to fill, whether newly created or left open by a departure. Tracking vacancies accurately underpins recruitment planning, budgeting and workforce reporting.
Not every empty seat should automatically be refilled. A vacancy is an opportunity to review whether the role is still needed as designed, whether responsibilities should be reshaped, or whether the work could be met through internal mobility or automation.
Time-to-fill, the duration a vacancy stays open, is a key recruitment metric because prolonged gaps cost productivity and strain remaining staff. A clear view of open roles within an HR system keeps hiring, headcount and org charts aligned.
