What are HR metrics?
Developing an effective HR metrics can be intimidating, especially when your daily duties demand your attention. To assist you, we've curated a list of examples to inspire your planning process.
You can copy these examples into your preferred app, or alternatively, use Tability to stay accountable.
Find HR metrics with AI
While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI metrics generator below to generate your own strategies.
Examples of HR metrics and KPIs
Metrics for HR KPIs
1. Employee Turnover Rate
The percentage of employees who leave the company during a certain period of time, calculated by dividing the number of employees who leave by the average number of employees and multiplying by 100
What good looks like for this metric: 10-15%
Ideas to improve this metric- Enhance employee engagement programmes
- Improve internal communication
- Offer competitive salaries and benefits
- Create a clear career progression path
- Regularly review and improve company culture
2. Time to Hire
The average number of days it takes from when a job opens until an offer is accepted, indicating the efficiency of the hiring process
What good looks like for this metric: 40-50 days
Ideas to improve this metric- Streamline the interview process
- Utilise applicant tracking systems
- Enhance job descriptions
- Build a talent pipeline
- Increase employer branding
3. Employee Engagement Rate
The level of employee commitment and involvement towards their organisation, typically measured through surveys and engagement scores
What good looks like for this metric: 70-80%
Ideas to improve this metric- Regularly conduct employee surveys
- Offer professional development opportunities
- Recognise and reward employees
- Foster a positive work environment
- Encourage regular feedback sessions
4. Absenteeism Rate
The percentage of workdays employees are absent, calculated by dividing the number of days missed by the total number of workdays available
What good looks like for this metric: 1.5-3%
Ideas to improve this metric- Implement wellness programmes
- Improve workplace conditions
- Address potential causes of stress
- Provide flexible work options
- Promote a healthy work-life balance
5. Training Cost Per Employee
The amount of money spent on training each employee, including materials, time, and any external training sessions
What good looks like for this metric: $1,000-$1,500
Ideas to improve this metric- Evaluate the effectiveness of existing training programmes
- Utilise more in-house training resources
- Leverage online learning platforms
- Negotiate better rates with external trainers
- Ensure training aligns with company goals
Metrics for Balanced Growth and Success
1. Revenue Growth Rate
Measures the percentage increase in revenue over a specific period, indicating business expansion and success
What good looks like for this metric: 10-25% annually for small businesses
Ideas to improve this metric- Enhance marketing strategies
- Diversify income streams
- Optimize pricing models
- Improve customer retention
- Expand product or service offerings
2. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
Represents the total expense incurred in acquiring a new customer, essential for evaluating marketing efficiency
What good looks like for this metric: $50-150 for small businesses
Ideas to improve this metric- Leverage referral programs
- Utilize social media marketing
- Optimize sales funnel
- Focus on targeted advertising
- Improve lead conversion rates
3. Customer Retention Rate
Indicates the percentage of customers who stay with a business over a given period, reflecting customer satisfaction and loyalty
What good looks like for this metric: 50-80% for service-based businesses
Ideas to improve this metric- Enhance customer support
- Implement loyalty programs
- Request regular feedback
- Personalize customer communication
- Increase service quality
4. Net Profit Margin
Calculates the percentage of revenue that remains as profit after all expenses are deducted, showing the efficiency of the management
What good looks like for this metric: 10-20% for small to medium enterprises
Ideas to improve this metric- Reduce operational costs
- Increase sales volume
- Evaluate supplier contracts
- Optimize inventory management
- Automate standard processes
5. Employee Satisfaction
Assesses how content staff members are, which can influence productivity and company culture
What good looks like for this metric: 70-80% satisfaction rate
Ideas to improve this metric- Conduct regular surveys
- Improve work-life balance
- Provide professional development
- Offer competitive benefits
- Encourage a collaborative environment
Metrics for Talent acquisition success
1. Time to hire
The average number of days taken to fill a job vacancy from when the job opening is posted to when the candidate accepts the offer
What good looks like for this metric: 30-45 days
Ideas to improve this metric- Streamline the interview process
- Use recruiting software to track applications
- Build a talent pipeline before positions open
- Improve job descriptions to attract qualified candidates
- Train hiring managers on effective interview techniques
2. Quality of hire
Measures the value a new hire adds to the company, often assessed by their performance ratings, retention rates, and manager satisfaction
What good looks like for this metric: 80-90% satisfaction rate
Ideas to improve this metric- Align hiring criteria with job performance
- Implement structured onboarding programs
- Collect feedback from multiple stakeholders
- Conduct regular performance reviews
- Provide continuous training and support
3. Offer acceptance rate
The percentage of job offers that are accepted by candidates out of the total number of offers extended
What good looks like for this metric: 80-90%
Ideas to improve this metric- Ensure competitive compensation packages
- Improve candidate experience during the interview process
- Communicate company culture clearly
- Address candidate concerns promptly
- Personalise offer communications
4. Cost per hire
The total amount of money spent to hire a new employee, including advertising, recruitment agency fees, referral bonuses, and internal hiring costs
What good looks like for this metric: $3,000 - $5,000 per hire
Ideas to improve this metric- Use cost-effective recruiting channels
- Encourage employee referrals
- Leverage social media for recruiting
- Automate repetitive hiring tasks
- Negotiate with recruitment agencies for better rates
5. Employee retention rate
The percentage of new hires who remain with the company for a certain period, typically one year
What good looks like for this metric: 85-90%
Ideas to improve this metric- Implement robust onboarding programmes
- Foster a positive work environment
- Offer competitive benefits and salaries
- Provide opportunities for career growth
- Conduct exit interviews to identify reasons for turnover
Metrics for Achievement Business Leader
1. Revenue Growth Rate
The percentage increase in a company’s sales from one period to the next
What good looks like for this metric: 10-25% annually
Ideas to improve this metric- Enhance sales strategies
- Expand market reach
- Invest in marketing
- Improve product offerings
- Strengthen customer relationships
2. Net Profit Margin
Net earnings as a percentage of revenue, indicating overall profitability
What good looks like for this metric: 7-10%
Ideas to improve this metric- Reduce operational costs
- Increase pricing
- Streamline supply chain
- Enhance productivity
- Focus on high-margin products
3. Employee Satisfaction Score
Average rating of employees' overall satisfaction, measured through surveys
What good looks like for this metric: 70-80%
Ideas to improve this metric- Improve work-life balance
- Offer career development opportunities
- Enhance workplace environment
- Provide competitive benefits
- Encourage open communication
4. Customer Retention Rate
The percentage of existing customers who remain loyal over a specific period
What good looks like for this metric: 85-90%
Ideas to improve this metric- Implement loyalty programs
- Improve customer service
- Regularly engage with customers
- Solicit and act on feedback
- Ensure product quality
5. Return on Investment (ROI)
Ratio of net profit to total investment, measuring the efficiency of an investment
What good looks like for this metric: 15-20%
Ideas to improve this metric- Analyse and optimize investments
- Focus on high ROI projects
- Cut non-profitable ventures
- Increase efficiency in operations
- Leverage technology
Metrics for Change management effectiveness
1. Employee Adoption Rate
The percentage of employees using new systems, processes, or behaviours after a change is implemented
What good looks like for this metric: 75-90%
Ideas to improve this metric- Provide comprehensive training programmes
- Communicate the benefits of the change clearly
- Offer continuous support and resources
- Engage employees in the change process
- Collect and act on employee feedback
2. Resistance Rate
The percentage of employees actively resisting the change
What good looks like for this metric: 10-25%
Ideas to improve this metric- Identify and address reasons for resistance
- Involve key stakeholders early in the process
- Enhance transparent communication
- Offer incentives for adopting changes
- Build a change champion network
3. Implementation Time
The amount of time taken to fully implement the change compared to the planned schedule
What good looks like for this metric: +/- 10% of planned time
Ideas to improve this metric- Set realistic timelines with buffer
- Allocate adequate resources
- Streamline decision-making processes
- Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed
- Ensure clear accountability and roles
4. Employee Engagement Score
The level of employee engagement as measured through surveys or feedback mechanisms before and after the change
What good looks like for this metric: Above 70
Ideas to improve this metric- Foster a supportive work environment
- Recognise and reward employee contributions
- Maintain open lines of communication
- Provide opportunities for professional growth
- Regularly solicit and act on employee feedback
5. Change Impact on Performance Metrics
The effect of the change on key business performance indicators such as productivity, quality, or customer satisfaction
What good looks like for this metric: Positive impact within 6 months
Ideas to improve this metric- Align change initiatives with business goals
- Measure and analyse performance data regularly
- Adjust strategies based on performance insights
- Provide targeted training to improve performance
- Engage leadership in driving performance improvements
Metrics for Success of recruitment campaigns
1. Cost per hire
Total recruiting costs divided by the number of hires within a specified time frame
What good looks like for this metric: USD 4,000 - USD 6,000
Ideas to improve this metric- Optimize job advertisement placements
- Leverage employee referrals
- Automate parts of the recruitment process
- Negotiate better rates with recruitment agencies
- Enhance employer branding
2. Time to fill
Average number of days it takes to fill a position from the moment the job is posted until an offer is accepted
What good looks like for this metric: 30 - 45 days
Ideas to improve this metric- Streamline the interview process
- Implement applicant tracking systems
- Pre-screen candidates effectively
- Improve job descriptions
- Build a talent pipeline
3. Quality of hire
Performance of new hires compared to existing employees, often measured after the first year
What good looks like for this metric: Similar or higher performance compared to existing employees
Ideas to improve this metric- Enhance candidate assessment methods
- Use behavioural interviewing techniques
- Improve onboarding processes
- Encourage ongoing employee development
- Gather and act on feedback from new hires
4. Retention rate
Percentage of new hires that remain with the company for a specified period, usually one year
What good looks like for this metric: 75%-80%
Ideas to improve this metric- Improve company culture
- Provide career development opportunities
- Offer competitive salaries and benefits
- Enhance employee engagement
- Conduct stay interviews
5. Offer acceptance rate
Percentage of job offers extended that are accepted by candidates
What good looks like for this metric: 90% or higher
Ideas to improve this metric- Ensure competitive compensation packages
- Communicate clear career growth opportunities
- Build a strong employer brand
- Maintain a consistent and engaging recruitment process
- Gather feedback from candidates who decline offers
Metrics for Employment engagement
1. Employee turnover rate
The percentage of employees who leave the company within a certain period. It's calculated by dividing the number of employees who left by the average number of employees, multiplied by 100.
What good looks like for this metric: 10-15% annually
Ideas to improve this metric- Improve onboarding processes
- Foster a positive company culture
- Offer competitive salaries and benefits
- Provide career development opportunities
- Conduct exit interviews to understand reasons for leaving
2. Employee net promoter score (eNPS)
Measures the likelihood of employees to recommend the company as a good place to work. It's calculated by asking employees to rate their likelihood on a scale from 0-10 and categorizing them as promoters, passives, or detractors.
What good looks like for this metric: 20-50
Ideas to improve this metric- Regularly collect and act on employee feedback
- Enhance internal communication
- Recognize and reward achievements
- Ensure workload balance
- Promote work-life balance
3. Employee satisfaction survey scores
Quantifies employees' overall satisfaction with the company. It's calculated through surveys asking employees to rate their satisfaction on various aspects, averaged into an overall score.
What good looks like for this metric: 70-80%
Ideas to improve this metric- Enhance job role clarity
- Provide consistent feedback
- Create a trustful environment
- Increase engagement in decision-making processes
- Offer flexible working hours
4. Absenteeism rate
The percentage of workdays lost to unplanned absences. It's calculated by dividing the total number of unplanned absence days by the total number of available working days, multiplied by 100.
What good looks like for this metric: 1.5-3%
Ideas to improve this metric- Promote a healthy work environment
- Implement wellness programmes
- Offer flexible leave policies
- Address work-related stress
- Provide mental health support
5. Training participation rate
The percentage of employees participating in professional development programmes. It's calculated by dividing the number of employees who participate in training by the total number of employees, multiplied by 100.
What good looks like for this metric: 60-80%
Ideas to improve this metric- Encourage continuous learning
- Provide online training options
- Make training relevant and beneficial
- Reward participation and completion
- Communicate the value of training programmes
Metrics for Employee Increment Program
1. Job Performance Rating
An evaluation of the employee's job performance based on specific role-related goals and objectives
What good looks like for this metric: Typically ranges from 1 to 5, with 3 being average
Ideas to improve this metric- Provide clear and concise performance goals
- Offer regular feedback and coaching
- Implement peer review systems
- Conduct regular performance appraisals
- Utilise performance management software
2. Skill Development
Measures progress in acquiring job-related skills through training and development efforts
What good looks like for this metric: 75% of employees show improvement annually
Ideas to improve this metric- Encourage enrolment in training programmes
- Promote cross-departmental projects
- Offer mentorship opportunities
- Align skill development with career goals
- Regularly update learning materials
3. Peer Feedback Scores
Scores from colleagues reflecting teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
What good looks like for this metric: Average scores range from 3 to 4 out of 5
Ideas to improve this metric- Foster an open feedback culture
- Conduct team-building activities
- Facilitate workshops on communication skills
- Implement a 360-degree feedback system
- Regularly seek verbal feedback in meetings
4. Achievement of Increment Criteria
Assessment of whether employees meet predefined criteria for increments related to performance, learning, or company values
What good looks like for this metric: 60% of employees qualify for increment criteria annually
Ideas to improve this metric- Clearly define the criteria in documentation
- Communicate criteria regularly during reviews
- Provide examples of how criteria can be met
- Offer support for employees lagging behind
- Regularly review and update criteria
5. Employee Satisfaction with Feedback
Level of employee satisfaction with the feedback received about performance evaluations and increments
What good looks like for this metric: Benchmark satisfaction score of 4 out of 5
Ideas to improve this metric- Implement anonymous feedback surveys
- Offer constructive and balanced feedback
- Train managers in delivering feedback
- Hold feedback sessions to gather input
- Create an action plan based on feedback
Metrics for Manager Behavioural Change Impact
1. Employee Engagement Score
Measures the level of engagement employees feel at work, often assessed via surveys
What good looks like for this metric: Typical benchmark values range from 60-80%
Ideas to improve this metric- Conduct regular team feedback sessions
- Implement open-door policy for discussions
- Encourage team collaboration in decision-making
- Recognise team contributions publicly
- Provide professional development opportunities
2. Team Collaboration Index
Assesses the frequency and quality of collaboration among team members
What good looks like for this metric: Benchmark values depend on industry; however, 70-85% is typical
Ideas to improve this metric- Foster team-building activities
- Utilise collaboration tools for projects
- Clarify team roles and responsibilities
- Incentivise collaborative successes
- Monitor and reward team achievements
3. Employee Satisfaction Score
Evaluates overall employee satisfaction with the management and working conditions
What good looks like for this metric: A typical satisfaction score ranges from 65-85%
Ideas to improve this metric- Conduct satisfaction surveys regularly
- Address individual concerns promptly
- Provide transparent company updates
- Enhance workplace facilities
- Offer flexible working arrangements
4. Turnover Rate
Measures the rate at which employees leave the organisation
What good looks like for this metric: Average turnover rates are between 10-20% annually
Ideas to improve this metric- Promote career advancement internally
- Enhance employee reward programmes
- Offer competitive salary and benefits
- Encourage work-life balance
- Conduct exit interviews for insights
5. 360-Degree Feedback Ratings
Aggregates reviews provided by peers, subordinates, and managers on an employee's performance
What good looks like for this metric: Ratings usually range from 3.5 to 4.5 out of 5
Ideas to improve this metric- Train managers in giving constructive feedback
- Implement regular 360-degree feedback sessions
- Address feedback results in performance reviews
- Encourage honest and open communication
- Use feedback to guide personal development plans
Metrics for Routine Staff Training
1. Training Completion Rate
The percentage of staff who successfully complete the required training sessions within a given period.
What good looks like for this metric: 90% completion rate
Ideas to improve this metric- Offer flexible training schedules
- Use engaging training materials
- Provide incentives for completion
- Ensure management support
- Track progress regularly
2. Training Knowledge Retention Rate
The percentage of information retained by staff over a period after completing training, typically measured through follow-up assessments.
What good looks like for this metric: 70% retention after 3 months
Ideas to improve this metric- Incorporate interactive techniques
- Provide summary materials
- Use regular follow-up assessments
- Apply knowledge in real-world tasks
- Encourage peer discussions
3. Procedure Compliance Rate
The percentage of staff correctly following standard operating procedures post-training.
What good looks like for this metric: 85% compliance rate
Ideas to improve this metric- Reinforce training regularly
- Conduct audits and provide feedback
- Simplify procedures
- Establish accountability measures
- Offer additional coaching for underperformers
4. Employee Feedback Score
The average satisfaction score obtained from employees regarding the training program.
What good looks like for this metric: 4 out of 5 rating
Ideas to improve this metric- Collect regular feedback
- Act on suggestions for improvement
- Ensure content relevance
- Maintain interactive sessions
- Provide opportunity for questions
5. Training Cost Per Employee
The total costs involved in training divided by the number of employees trained.
What good looks like for this metric: $200 per employee
Ideas to improve this metric- Utilise cost-effective online platforms
- Schedule group training sessions
- Leverage internal trainers
- Streamline resource usage
- Negotiate with vendors for better pricing
Metrics for HR impact in nonprofit
1. Employee Retention Rate
Percentage of employees who remain with the organisation over a specific period.
What good looks like for this metric: 85% - 90%
Ideas to improve this metric- Enhance employee engagement programmes
- Provide professional development opportunities
- Improve communication and feedback channels
- Offer competitive benefits and compensations
- Recognise and reward achievements
2. Employee Satisfaction Score
Measurement of employee contentment and satisfaction through surveys and feedback.
What good looks like for this metric: 70% - 80%
Ideas to improve this metric- Conduct regular feedback surveys
- Address employee concerns swiftly
- Foster a positive workplace culture
- Provide clear career growth paths
- Encourage work-life balance
3. Training Participation Rate
Percentage of employees who participate in training and development programmes.
What good looks like for this metric: 60% - 75%
Ideas to improve this metric- Schedule flexible training sessions
- Offer a variety of training topics
- Provide incentives for participation
- Integrate training into performance reviews
- Solicit feedback on training effectiveness
4. Time to Hire
Average number of days taken to fill open positions within the organisation.
What good looks like for this metric: 30 - 45 days
Ideas to improve this metric- Streamline recruitment processes
- Utilise advanced recruitment software
- Enhance job advertisement strategies
- Implement a referral programme
- Build a talent pipeline
5. Diversity and Inclusion Index
Measurement of workplace diversity and inclusiveness using data on demographics and survey feedback.
What good looks like for this metric: 70% - 85%
Ideas to improve this metric- Conduct diversity training sessions
- Promote inclusive leadership
- Implement diverse recruitment practices
- Encourage employee resource groups
- Regularly assess organisational culture
Metrics for Decrease in Stress Levels
1. Employee Stress Survey Score
Measures employee stress levels through a structured survey using a standardised stress scale
What good looks like for this metric: An average score of 3.5 on a scale of 1 to 5
Ideas to improve this metric- Conduct regular stress surveys
- Incorporate relaxation techniques into daily routine
- Introduce flexible working hours
- Improve communication channels
- Provide access to counselling services
2. Absenteeism Rate
Reflects the percentage of workdays missed due to stress-related absences
What good looks like for this metric: A typical absenteeism rate of 2% is observed
Ideas to improve this metric- Educate employees on stress management
- Enhance support for mental health issues
- Monitor workload to prevent burnout
- Foster a positive work environment
- Incentivise maintaining low absenteeism
3. Employee Turnover Rate
Represents the rate at which employees leave the company voluntarily for stress-related reasons
What good looks like for this metric: An acceptable turnover rate is about 10%
Ideas to improve this metric- Offer career development opportunities
- Ensure employees have a voice in decision-making
- Regularly assess job satisfaction levels
- Promote a healthy work-life balance
- Conduct exit interviews to understand stress factors
4. Participation Rate in Wellbeing Activities
Indicates the percentage of employees engaging in sensory breaks and creative activities
What good looks like for this metric: Participation rate should be around 75%
Ideas to improve this metric- Schedule activities at convenient times
- Clearly communicate the benefits of activities
- Offer a diverse range of activities
- Encourage team leaders to participate
- Provide feedback mechanisms to improve activities
5. Employee Engagement Score
Measures employee engagement levels which inversely correlate with stress
What good looks like for this metric: An average engagement score of 75% is typical
Ideas to improve this metric- Strengthen recognition and reward systems
- Develop a sense of purpose in roles
- Facilitate team bonding activities
- Implement regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings
- Encourage transparent communication at all levels
Metrics for Fulfillment and growth
1. Employee engagement score
Measures the level of engagement employees feel towards their work, typically gathered through surveys
What good looks like for this metric: 70-80%
Ideas to improve this metric- Encourage open communication
- Provide opportunities for feedback
- Recognize and reward achievements
- Offer professional development programs
- Foster a positive work environment
2. Employee retention rate
Calculated as the percentage of employees who stay with the company over a specific period
What good looks like for this metric: 85-90%
Ideas to improve this metric- Create clear career paths
- Provide competitive compensation
- Ensure work-life balance
- Foster a strong company culture
- Conduct exit interviews
3. Professional development participation
Tracks the number of employees engaging in professional development activities
What good looks like for this metric: 60-75%
Ideas to improve this metric- Promote development opportunities
- Subsidize costs of courses
- Incorporate development into performance reviews
- Provide time for learning
- Highlight success stories
4. Internal promotion rate
Percentage of roles filled by internal candidates rather than external hires
What good looks like for this metric: 15-20%
Ideas to improve this metric- Identify and groom top talent
- Offer leadership training
- Create mentorship programs
- Set clear promotion criteria
- Monitor and address skill gaps
5. Work-life balance score
Evaluates how employees feel about their work-life balance, often measured through surveys
What good looks like for this metric: 70-80%
Ideas to improve this metric- Implement flexible work hours
- Encourage taking vacations
- Promote wellness programs
- Regularly assess workloads
- Provide support for remote work
Tracking your HR metrics
Having a plan is one thing, sticking to it is another.
Setting good strategies is only the first challenge. The hard part is to avoid distractions and make sure that you commit to the plan. A simple weekly ritual will greatly increase the chances of success.
A tool like Tability can also help you by combining AI and goal-setting to keep you on track.
Tability's check-ins will save you hours and increase transparencyMore metrics recently published
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Planning resources
OKRs are a great way to translate strategies into measurable goals. Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the OKR framework:
- To learn: What are OKRs? The complete 2024 guide
- Blog posts: ODT Blog
- Success metrics: KPIs examples