An international framework for human resource management indicators in public administration: Pilot results, methodologies and challenges

This paper presents the results of a pilot initiative to develop an internationally comparable framework for indicators on human resource management (HRM) outcomes in the public sector. Conducted by the OECD with support from the European Commission, this pilot is part of a project to develop common methodologies for comparative data production and help build capacity for evidence-informed people management in the EU Member States. The pilot tested a set of core indicators—median age, age distribution, time to hire, total turnover, and first-year attrition. Initial pilot findings demonstrate significant variability in HRM outcomes across countries and ministries, offering insight into the challenges of generational renewal, internal mobility, and recruitment process efficiency. The paper identifies systemic barriers to data-driven people management and proposes ways to advance internationally comparable HRM data. Ultimately, this work contributes to strengthening evidence-informed public employment policies in OECD and EU countries.