People analytics – 7 must-have reports

In the age of data-driven business, HR can no longer rely on intuition alone.People analytics – a data-fueled compass in the evolving landscape of work – is rewriting the playbook for companies determined to keep their best people, ignite real engagement, and unlock peak performance.

By transforming people data into actionable insights, people analytics software empowers HR teams to make smarter, faster decisions. Whether you're trying to reduce turnover, fine-tune recruitment, or build a more inclusive workplace, the right people analytics dashboard can help you get there.

In this review, we will explain:

• What is people analytics – and why it matters
• The key components of a strong people analytics strategy
• 7 must-have employee analytics reports
• How to choose the right people analytics solutions
• What a people data analyst actually does – and why your HR team needs one

What is people analytics, and why does it matter?

What is the purpose of people analytics?

Put plainly but powerfully, people analytics is the art and science of turning workforce data into sharper decisions and smarter strategies. Whether it’s hiring, retention, or everything in between, it helps organizations trade hunches for hard evidence – and instinct for insight.

While often used interchangeably with HR analytics, there’s a key difference: HR analytics typically focuses on HR operations (like time-to-hire or cost-per-hire), whereas people analytics digs deeper – exploring the why behind employee behavior, engagement, and performance.

The most effective people analytics solutions blend data science with AI, predictive modeling, and machine learning – transforming raw numbers into foresight, patterns into strategies, and trends into tomorrow’s game plan. 

Want to know who’s at risk of leaving? Which teams are underperforming? Or how compensation impacts engagement? People analytics can give you those answers.

What does people analytics involve? Key components

A robust people analytics program involves more than just crunching numbers. It’s a strategic process with several moving parts:

• Data Collection: Gathering clean, accurate data from multiple sources (HRIS, surveys, performance tools).
• Analysis & Interpretation: Understanding not just what is happening – but why.
• Visualization & Reporting: Turning complex data into intuitive dashboards and actionable insights.

At the heart of this process is the people data analyst – a specialist responsible for interpreting employee data and helping HR leaders translate findings into action. Their work touches all major HR areas, including:

• Employee attrition and retention
• Team productivity and collaboration
• Recruitment effectiveness
• Compensation benchmarking
• Engagement and morale

If you’re wondering what does people analytics involve, the answer is: a mix of strategy, technology, and a sharp analytical mind.

7 must-have people analytics reports for HR teams

Every people analytics dashboard should include key reports that give HR a clear picture of workforce health. Here are seven essentials:

1. Attrition & retention report

Track turnover rates, spot trends, and predict which employees may be at risk of leaving. This report helps HR take proactive steps to retain top talent.

2. Employee performance report

Measure individual and team performance using KPIs, 360° feedback, and goal tracking. Identify high performers and areas that need support.

3. Engagement & satisfaction report

Analyze employee sentiment through surveys, pulse checks, and feedback tools. Use this data to boost morale and reduce burnout.

4. Recruitment effectiveness report

Evaluate your hiring funnel – cost-per-hire, time-to-fill, candidate quality, and new hire performance. Improve your recruitment strategy with data, not guesswork.

5. Diversity & inclusion report

Monitor team demographics, pay equity, and representation across roles. A vital tool for building fair and inclusive workplaces.

6. Compensation & benefits report

Compare internal pay scales with industry benchmarks. Ensure transparency, fairness, and strategic investment in talent.

7. Training & development report

Measure the ROI of learning programs. Identify which trainings drive performance, retention, and upskilling.

Together, these employee analytics reports help HR teams align talent strategy with business goals.

How to choose the best people analytics software

Some people analytics software is better than others. To get real value, look for tools that offer:

• Integration with your HRIS and other key systems
• Ready-to-use dashboards with customizable visualizations
• AI-powered insights and predictive analytics
• Scalability to grow with your business
• Compliance and data security features

Top people analytics solutions – like those used by HR innovators – should be flexible enough to support your specific needs while offering depth in key areas like engagement tracking, compensation analysis, and workforce planning.

The role of a people analyst in modern HR

The people analyst (or people data analyst) is more than just a number cruncher. They're the strategic partner who turns raw HR data into real business value.

To be effective, a people analyst needs:

• Strong analytical skills and experience with BI tools
• Data storytelling ability to communicate findings clearly
• HR and business acumen to align insights with company goals

From boardroom presentations to refining your DEI strategy, a people analyst helps HR deliver measurable impact.

So… unlock the power of people analytics in your organization

People analytics is no longer a nice-to-have. For modern organizations, it’s a must.

Whether you're a growing startup or an enterprise-level employer, building a smart people analytics dashboard will elevate your HR strategy, improve employee experiences, and drive better business outcomes.

Start with the must-have reports. Invest in the right tools. And don’t underestimate the value of a skilled people data analyst to guide the way.

Because when you understand your people, you can lead them better.

And if you’re already using Calamari, you’re one step ahead

Calamari helps HR teams collect reliable people data – like time off, attendance tracking, and remote work patterns – in real time. It integrates with your favorite tools and provides clean, structured data that can power your people analytics software or feed into platforms like Power BI.

With Calamari, you gain the visibility and consistency you need to make your HR reporting truly data-driven. No more manual tracking. Just accurate, up-to-date information – ready to analyze.

Ready to see how Calamari can support your people analytics journey? Let’s talk.