Activity Diagram Symbols

For HR process models - adapted from Unified Modelling Language (UML) 2.1

Initial State or Start
All activities have a point where they start.

Final State or End
All activities have a point where they end.

Action State or Activity
Each activity is described briefly.

Decision
In a work flow there are points where there are a range of possible circumstances, thereafter the flow separates dependent on the circumstance.

Control Flow
This shows the direction of a flow of work. E.g. in a job evaluation activity where HR communicate the grade to a department the direction of flow is from 'HR' to 'Department'

Guard Condition
An important condition that must be true for the flow to proceed. Useful in labelling flows after a decision point.

Synchronisation Bar
Various activities come together or split from this point.

Transition (Fork)
Represents that point at which an activity separates into two or more flows. E.g. In a job evaluation flow the point at which the grade is calculated might then split into 'Notify Grade' and 'Attach Grade to Post'

Transition (Join)
Represents that point at which sets of different activities come together. E.g. Paper application form, CV and online application flows might all come together at 'Applications Received'

Note
Sometimes a short piece of free text is required in a work flow.