secondment

8 synonyms for secondment, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A temporary transfer of an employee to another department, organisation or location, after which they return to their original job.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

posting second

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

detachment assignment rotation endorsement

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

indorsement temporary transfer

How to use secondment

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

on secondment a six-month secondment secondment agreement seconded to

Neutral in British workplace and public sector English; may need glossing for American readers.

Etymology

From the verb second, 'to transfer someone temporarily to other duties', which came into military and civil service use from French en second 'in a secondary capacity'.

Full origin of secondment →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a secondment and a transfer?

A secondment is temporary and you keep your substantive job to return to; a transfer is permanent and your old post is filled by someone else. On secondment your original employer usually still holds your contract.

Do you get paid on secondment?

Yes. In most arrangements your home employer continues to pay you and may recharge the cost to the host organisation, though the host sometimes pays a supplement. The terms should be set out in a written secondment agreement before you start.

Is secondment used in American English?

Rarely. Americans more often say a temporary assignment, detail, rotation or loan; secondment is standard in Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and much of the Commonwealth, and in international organisations.

People also searched

second posting assignment rotation endorsement detachment indorsement

Nearby words

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