GRI launches review of labour standards, updating 11 standards total

The Global Reporting Initiative launched a review of its labour-related standards, beginning with consultation on revised drafts of GRI 402, GRI 401, and GRI 202 and ultimately updating 11 standards. The overhaul raises disclosure expectations on worker impacts that Indian companies reporting under GRI and BRSR will need to track.

The Global Reporting Initiative launched a comprehensive review of all its labour-related standards to enhance reporting on worker impacts and transparency on labour practices and human rights. Developed by the Global Sustainability Standards Board, the review begins with consultation on revised drafts of GRI 402: Labor/Management Relations, GRI 401: Employment, and GRI 202: Market Presence. Proposed disclosures cover non-standard employment, data protection, hiring and turnover metrics, remuneration and working time, gender pay gap, social protection, and significant changes for workers. In total, 11 GRI standards will be updated.

Companies reporting under GRI standards across industries are affected, as expanded labour disclosures will require data on employment types, basic gender pay gap, social protection coverage, consultation periods, worker retraining, and termination protocols. The revision was guided by an expert group including the International Trade Union Confederation, Global Union Federations, the International Organization of Employers, and the ILO, aligning the standards with international business and human rights frameworks from the ILO, UN, and OECD.

Reporting companies should participate in the consultation on the three revised drafts and prepare for two further consultations over the next 12 months covering working life, career development, and workers' rights and protections. Sustainability and HR teams should assess data readiness on gender pay gap, social protection, and non-standard employment ahead of the 11 standard updates. Indian companies reporting under GRI or BRSR should monitor alignment with ILO, UN, and OECD frameworks as labour-disclosure expectations rise.

Key figure — GRI standards to be updated: 11 in total, starting with GRI 402, 401, and 202