The Hays Global
Talent Tracker

Labour markets are shifting fast - and not always in the same direction. The Global Talent Tracker brings clarity to the complexity, offering a comparable view across five interconnected pillars and 35 countries.

This data helps you see the world differently. Use it to match market strengths to your strategic goals, whether you're scaling, innovating or building future skills capability.

Which markets are
building momentum?

Watch video to learn more.

We spotlight five standout stories from the Global Talent Tracker.

These markets are moving in very different ways. Some are accelerating, others are just finding their form and a few are grappling with structural challenges.

Every country has its own story. The full report helps you find it, with data and expert insights to inform your next move.

See how each market stacks up

Overall ranking

Composite score

What matters most to
your organisation?

Every labour market has its strengths. You just need to find the one that fits.

Isolate the pillars that matter most to your organisation. Whether you’re searching for cost efficiencies or looking to scale at pace, use this data tool to draw quick comparisons across 35 markets.

Talent Tracker / Talent Value

Talent Value

Talent isn't just a cost, it's your competitive advantage. Smart organisations look beyond low wages and focus on where people are driving performance. This pillar shows where your investment will deliver the greatest return, balancing cost, productivity and impact.

How we measure value:
  • Salary compensation
  • Employer costs
  • Labour productivity
Click the video for a quick overview of the pillar.
Talent Tracker / Talent Value / Comparison tool

Uncover opportunity

Compare and contrast 35 countries across the Talent Value pillar. Click the country name in the bar chart to see the Market Insight.

Selected countries:
Country ranking #
Avg Score
Talent Tracker / Talent Value / Real World Impact

Real World Impact

Don’t just take our world for it, hear from real users who are making real impact.

A vital tool for understanding the global labour landscape

- VP, Human Resources, USA

Offers a fresh perspective for your workforce strategy

- CEO, UK

Complex decisions supported by clear data

- Senior HR Manager, Australia

Talent Tracker / Talent Participation

Talent Participation

A large workforce means very little if it isn't being fully activated. By looking beyond headcount, the focus shifts to how effectively countries are mobilising their working-age populations - and how inclusive and sustainable this is.

How we measure participation:
  • Labour force participation
  • Educational attainment
  • Health and quality of life
Click the video for a quick overview of the pillar.
Talent Tracker / Talent Participation / Comparison tool

Uncover opportunity

Compare and contrast 35 countries across the Talent Participation pillar. Click the country name in the bar chart to see the Market Insight.

Selected countries:
Country ranking #
Avg Score
Talent Tracker / Talent Development

Talent Development

Future-ready workforces don't happen by chance. Here, the focus is on locations that are developing their workforce through education and training systems. It highlights where capability is being built, enabling you to stay ahead of the curve.

How we measure development:
  • Level of education
  • Education expenditure
  • Research institution prominence
Click the video for a quick overview of the pillar.
Talent Tracker / Talent Development / Comparison tool

Uncover opportunity

Compare and contrast 35 countries across the Talent Development pillar. Click the country name in the bar chart to see the Market Insight.

Selected countries:
Country ranking #
Avg Score
Talent Tracker / Talent Market Flexibility

Talent Market Flexibility

Markets move fast. The right labour market helps you move faster. This pillar shows where labour markets are structured to help organisations scale, adapt and respond quickly to change.

How we measure flexibility:
  • Employment legislation
  • Wage flexibility
  • Contract type
Click the video for a quick overview of the pillar.
Talent Tracker / Talent Market Flexibility / Comparison tool

Uncover opportunity

Compare and contrast 35 countries across the Talent Market Flexibility pillar. Click the country name in the bar chart to see the Market Insight.

Selected countries:
Country ranking #
Avg Score
Talent Tracker / Talent Innovation

Talent Innovation

The future of work is being shaped today. We spotlight the countries that are building digital skills and investing in the infrastructure needed to power technological progress.

How we measure innovation:
  • AI power rankings
  • Knowledge intensive employment
  • Institutional support for innovation
Click the video for a quick overview of the pillar.
Talent Tracker / Talent Innovation / Comparison tool

Uncover opportunity

Compare and contrast 35 countries across the Talent Innovation pillar. Click the country name in the bar chart to see the Market Insight.

Selected countries:
Country ranking #
Avg Score