| Word | Description |
| Zero-based bonus | A plan design feature that establishes a pre-assigned class, ratio, or ranking for a specified class of employees who will receive zero bonus awards. |
| Zero-based budgeting | A budgeting system that starts with no authorized funds as a starting point. In a zero-based budget, each activity or program to be funded must be justified every time a new budget is prepared and resources are allocated accordingly. |
| Zipper clause | A provision in a collective bargaining agreement that specifically states that the written agreement is the complete agreement of the parties and that anything not contained therein is not agreed to unless put into writing and signed by both parties following the date of the agreement. |