ILO introduces new indicators to strengthen labour administration

GENEVA (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) has introduced a set of indicators to help labour administration systems strengthen governance and deliver more effectively, in face of rapid technological, demographic and economic changes that are reshaping the world of work.

Developed and validated with ministries of labour from diverse regions, legal systems and traditions, the indicators translate the United Nations Principles of Effective Governance into concrete measures that capture not only activities and processes, but also outcomes and impact.

The tool includes three subsets: whole-of-ministry indicators of effectiveness; service-specific indicators for labour inspection, public employment services, social dialogue, and research; and a governance index providing a consolidated picture of performance.

Labour administrations are central to governance. They help to protect workers, ensure fair frameworks for employers, support inclusive labour markets, and foster dialogue, trust and social peace in line with international labour standards.

To meet growing demands effectively, administrations must adapt to changing labour markets while coordinating across ministries and agencies. The new indicators provide a framework to strengthen systems, close governance gaps and improve performance.

Flexible in design, the indicators help senior leaders identify governance gaps, manage risks, and align with international standards. They are not intended as a self-sufficient tool or for comparison across administrations, but as a complement to surveys, research, and stakeholder input.

To support adoption, the ILO will provide technical assistance to help governments apply the indicators in practice and reinforce labour administration’s contribution to sustainable development.