What Is Secondment? | HR Glossary | BambooHR
A temporary assignment of an employee to a different role, team or organisation.
A secondment is a temporary move in which an employee takes up a different role, in another team, department or even a separate organisation, for an agreed period before returning to their substantive role. It is a flexible way to meet a short-term need while developing people.
Secondments help fill temporary gaps, transfer knowledge, support partnerships and give employees stretch experience without a permanent change. They are a valuable tool for internal mobility, development and retention.
Clear terms matter: the duration, reporting lines, pay, who bears the cost, and the arrangements for return should all be documented, especially where the secondment is to an external organisation. This avoids disputes and protects the employee's position.
