TC260 and the Standardisation of Global HRM

TC260 and the Standardisation of Global HRM: Elevating Human Capital through ISO Standards

Human capital is a critical asset for any organisation, yet HR practices often vary significantly across industries and regions. This inconsistency makes it difficult to benchmark, assess, and communicate workforce value effectively. To address this, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 260 (TC260) on Human Resource Management has been developing globally recognised HRM standards. These standards provide organisations with structured, evidence-based approaches to HR governance, recruitment, workforce planning, leadership development, and human capital reporting.

What is ISO TC260?

Established in 2011, ISO TC260 was formed to create a common global framework for HRM, ensuring organisations, regardless of geography or industry can adopt best practices that drive workforce efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. Comprising experts from national standardisation bodies, HR leaders, and industry specialists, TC260 works collaboratively to develop HR standards that address critical workforce challenges.

As of February 2025, the International Organization for Standardization’s Technical Committee 260 (ISO/TC 260) on Human Resource Management has published 32 ISO standards, with an additional 8 standards currently under development. These efforts contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Reduced Inequalities, and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

ISO TC260 currently has 36 Participating (P) members and 30 Observing (O) members, representing diverse perspectives in shaping global HRM standards. O-members are countries that can observe the development of standards and provide comments and recommendations. P-members are countries that actively participate by voting during different stages of the standard’s development.

Curious about your country’s role? View the global participation by member countries below.

The Impact of TC260 on Global HR Practices

TC260’s contributions have shaped how businesses measure and manage their people assets, integrating standardised HR processes with broader corporate governance frameworks. These standards provide practical tools for organisations aiming to optimise talent management, improve workplace culture, and enhance HR decision-making.

Emerging Focus Areas

Ethical Use of Technology in HRM

ISO TC260 is developing a new standard addressing the ethical adoption and use of technology in HR practices. This initiative aims to mitigate risks associated with integrating advanced technologies into HR functions. It reflects the growing influence of AI, big data analytics, the metaverse, and other emerging technologies in HR processes and the need for standardisation.

Recent Developments

2024 Plenary Meeting in Tokyo

In October 2024, ISO TC260 held its plenary meeting in Tokyo, Japan, bringing together global experts to discuss advancements and future directions in HRM standardisation.

Why HR Leaders Should Pay Attention to TC260 Standards

HR is becoming more data-driven, standardised, and globally aligned. With growing expectations around human capital disclosure, ESG reporting, and workforce sustainability, organisations that adopt ISO HRM standards gain a competitive advantage in:

Building trust with investors and stakeholders through transparent HR metrics
Aligning HRM with international corporate governance practices
Enhancing workforce productivity, engagement, and compliance
Developing talent strategies based on evidence-based insights

Looking Ahead: The Evolution of HRM Standards

With AI, automation, and hybrid work models transforming workforce dynamics, ISO TC260 is continuously updating its standards to reflect these shifts. Future areas of focus may include governance of HR technology, people analytics, and ethical AI in HRM.

HR professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers must stay engaged with TC260’s work to shape the future of HRM on a global scale. By integrating these standards into HR practices, organisations can drive workforce transformation and sustainable growth in an increasingly complex business environment.

Move Beyond Traditional HR Certifications, Embrace ISO HR Standards

Many HR professionals pursue certifications from professional bodies to validate their expertise. While these certifications provide essential knowledge, they do not address the need for standardisation, data-driven decision-making, and compliance with global best practices.

With human capital playing a key role in corporate sustainability, risk management, and investor confidence, HR must go beyond traditional credentials and adopt ISO HR standards to stay ahead.

Why Should HR Professionals and Organisations Embrace ISO HRM Standards?

Unlike localised HR certifications, ISO standards are globally recognised, allowing organisations to benchmark against international best practices.
With increasing pressure on organisations to disclose human capital metrics in line with ESG and sustainability reporting, ISO HR standards offer a structured approach to HR disclosures.
Companies adopting ISO HRM standards demonstrate higher transparency, operational efficiency, and workforce sustainability, making them attractive to investors, regulators, and global business partners.

How Can HR Professionals Get Started?

Familiarise yourself with ISO TC260 Standards by reviewing ISO’s official HRM standards and understand how they apply to your industry and HR function.
Advocate for ISO Adoption in your organisation by engaging leadership and HR teams in discussions about implementing ISO frameworks for better workforce management and reporting.
Seek training and certification in ISO HRM standards by upskilling through ISO 30414 certification
Integrate ISO Guidelines into HR policies by aligning your organisation’s HR policies, governance frameworks, and performance metrics with ISO best practices.
Stay updated with TC260 Developments. As HR evolves, new ISO standards will continue to emerge. Keeping track of these developments ensures you remain ahead of global HR trends.

The Future of HR Lies in Standards, Not Just Certifications

HR professionals and organisations should take a structured, standardised approach to workforce management that aligns with global governance and compliance expectations. ISO TC260 provides the HR governance, compliance, and human capital measurement frameworks needed to elevate HR from an operational function to a strategic business enabler.

If HR professionals want a stronger voice in business strategy, they must demonstrate value through recognised global frameworks and ISO HRM standards provide the foundation for that transformation.

Are you ready to lead the future of HR? Start exploring ISO HRM standards today, visit the official ISO/TC 260 page.

1. ISO Technical Committee 260 (ISO/TC 260) Official Page

Source – International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Publication Date: Ongoing
Link – ISO/TC 260 Official Page
Details – Explore detailed information on existing and upcoming ISO HRM standards directly from the International Organization for Standardisation.

2. ISO/TC 260 HR Management and HRCI Global Standards Leadership

Source – HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
Publication Date – Ongoing
Link – HRCI Global Standards Leadership
Details – This page provides insights into HRCI’s involvement in global HR standards and its collaboration with ISO/TC 260 in shaping HR management standards.

3. U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 260, Human Resource Management

Source – American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Publication Date – Ongoing
Link – ANSI – U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 260
Details – This page outlines the role of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) in formulating positions and proposals on behalf of the United States in response to ISO/TC 260 activities.

4. Strategic Business Plan ISO/TC 260 Human Resource Management (5th Edition, July 2023)

Source – International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Publication Date – July 2023
Link- Strategic Business Plan
Details – This document outlines the strategic direction and objectives of ISO/TC 260, focusing on the development of HRM standards to enhance organizational performance.

5. ISO/TC 260 HR Management – New Working Group on HR Technology

Source – International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Publication Date – June 2024
Link: New Working Group on HR Technology
Details – This news update discusses the formation of a new working group within ISO/TC 260, focusing on HR technology and its implications for human capital risks.

6. ETUC Attends the ISO TC 260 Plenary Meeting in Tokyo

Source – European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)
Publication Date – December 2024
Link – ETUC at ISO TC 260 Plenary
Details – This article covers ETUC’s participation in the ISO/TC 260 plenary meeting held in Tokyo during the week of 28 October 2024, highlighting discussions on standards related to worker participation and consultation.