High HR ROI is about people: not just data and performance

When discussing HR ROI (Return on Investment), most companies focus on hard data: HR analytics, attraction, conversion rates, and hiring performance. While these metrics are essential, they represent only part of the picture.

At InTribe, we believe that achieving a high ROI starts with people. Data and performance matter, but people make the difference.

Our companies are not composed of machines or algorithms. They are made up of individuals whose emotions, perceptions, and engagement levels play a pivotal role in overall success. Ignoring how people feel about their work and the organization can undermine even the most well-funded business strategies.

Is your organization achieving a positive HR ROI?

Find out with our free assessment: https://intribe-intelligence.typeform.com/HR-ROI-AssessEN

Objective KPIs + Subjective KPIs: A Holistic Approach

InTribe calculates ROI by merging statistical data with people insights, using four key parameters:

• Performance: Efficiency indicators derived from analytics (e.g., marketing funnel efficiency, sales metrics) combined with employees' subjective evaluations.
• Skill: Assessment of competencies through both data-driven analysis and individual perceptions.
• Trust: Evaluation of the perceived reliability within teams and towards leadership.
• Culture: Measurement of how well employees align with the company's values and vision.

The subjective evaluation is not a mere addition; it is fundamental.

Understanding how employees perceive their workplace reveals whether corporate values are truly shared or just stated. This insight can determine whether an organization achieves its maximum potential.

The Advanced HR ROI+ Solution

InTribe’s advanced HR ROI+ solution is built on 32 indexes covering all dimensions relevant to determining the HR ROI index, integrating both internal and external company variables.

Each KPI is developed from objective data sources, including:

• HR Analytics and internal quantitative data: Providing direct impact insights into HR processes.
• Surveys administered to statistically representative samples: Selected from both internal and external company panels.

This comprehensive KPI system delivers a structured yet user-friendly analysis of the corporate landscape.

Indicators are aggregated based on relationships between variables, processed through normalization and parameterization methods to produce Specific Area Indices, which contribute to the estimation of a predictive HR ROI.

While the performance measurement system is standardized to ensure methodological robustness and temporal comparability, it remains customizable to meet the company's unique informational needs.

Tracking ROI Throughout the Entire Journey

ROI should be assessed continuously across all stages of the employee journey. Relying solely on post-hire assessments can lead to missed opportunities for optimization.

1. Awareness – How is your employer brand perceived in the market?
2. Information – Are job postings and career pages effectively communicating opportunities?
3. Attraction – What factors influence top talent to consider your organization?
4. Acquisition – Are onboarding experiences aligning with new hires' expectations?
5. Retention – How do employees feel about growth opportunities and workplace culture?

An Ongoing Process: Quarterly Monitoring for Sustainable Growth

InTribe's approach includes an annual project with quarterly monitoring. This cadence allows companies to maximize their ROI under current conditions while identifying areas for continuous improvement.

By reassessing performance, skill alignment, trust levels, and cultural adherence every quarter, businesses can make agile adjustments that keep them competitive and resilient.

Final Thought: People Drive Results

A positive ROI is not just about investing in better tools, marketing strategies, or technology. It begins with investing in people. Their perceptions, trust in leadership, alignment with corporate culture, and sense of belonging significantly impact business outcomes.

What steps is your organization taking to integrate people insights into ROI measurement? How often do you check in with the individuals behind your data?

Let’s remember: data tells us what is happening, but people tell us why.

Ready to Take Action?

Is your organization achieving a positive HR ROI?

Find out with our free assessment: https://intribe-intelligence.typeform.com/HR-ROI-AssessEN