Retention, engagement & workforce metrics · Core
Labour cost
Also called: labor cost
ELI5
Total employer cost of wages, salaries, benefits and related employment expenses.
Used in conversation
“Compare labour cost with the same cohort and period before drawing a conclusion.”
Pitch context
You will see “Labour cost” in organisation plans, workforce reviews, change programmes and people reports when the discussion reaches retention, engagement & workforce metrics.
Why it matters: In retention, engagement & workforce metrics, the scope can change what data may be used, who may access it and which controls are required.
Caution
Employment law and workplace practice vary by jurisdiction and agreement.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — BLS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Supporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16