The HR Dictionary

Direct Reports

A direct report is an individual who takes direction from a direct supervisor in the hierarchical organizational structure of an organization. The number of direct reports someone has will depend on a number of variables:

  • Whether the work is routine or low-skilled; one manager can more easily oversee a sizable workforce.
  • Better seasoned workers don't require as much supervision or assistance.
  • Younger managers might benefit from managing a smaller group of employees because they do not have the training or expertise to deal with many direct reports.

HR software allows HR departments to easily keep track of direct reports and their supervisors through Employee Management features. In addition, some HRIS offers the ability to view the reporting structure in an organizational hierarchy in organization charts as well.