ESG in human resource management means measuring and improving how a company recruits, pays, cares for, trains and listens to its workers. The human resources (HR) department holds most of the data for the Social pillar, which makes it an indispensable partner in every ESG reporting project.
Key takeaways
- Core metrics: new hires, turnover rate, benefits, parental leave (GRI 401), training hours and performance reviews (GRI 404).
- Collective bargaining, workplace dialogue and feedback channels are evidence of the quality of labour relations.
- Good HR data helps companies attract young candidates — a group increasingly concerned with sustainability values.
HR metrics in ESG reporting
| Metric | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Turnover rate by age group, gender and region | Stability and engagement |
| Benefits for full-time and part-time employees | Fairness between groups of workers |
| Average training hours per person per year | Investment in capabilities |
| Share of employees receiving regular performance reviews | Transparency in career development |
| Share covered by collective bargaining agreements | Quality of labour relations |
Turning data into action
- Analyse reasons for leaving through exit interviews and engagement surveys.
- Design career pathways and succession plans for key positions.
- Review benefits for seasonal and outsourced workers.
- Hold regular workplace dialogue as required by the Labour Code 2019.
The cost of replacing a talented employee is always greater than the cost of keeping them.
HR and the other pillars
HR is also linked to gender equality, occupational safety and the team's ESG capabilities — the factor that determines whether a business can actually deliver its sustainability strategy.
Frequently asked questions
What data does HR need to prepare for an ESG report?
Workforce data by gender, age, grade and contract type; new hires and leavers; training hours; benefits; workplace accidents; collective agreements and grievances.
What is a good turnover rate?
There is no universal figure; compare it with the sector and regional average and with the company's own trend over the years.
Does ESG help with recruitment?
Yes. Transparent information about the working environment, benefits and sustainability values is something candidates increasingly consider when choosing an employer.
VietESG — Independent ESG rating organisation. Ratings based on disclosed data, supporting evidence and a public methodology aligned with GRI and the SDGs.
