Workforce Planning Guide

Robinson D, Hirsh W | Report 451 | Institute for Employment Studies | Apr 2008

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This practical guide uses an eight-step approach to help both HR practitioners and managers through the workforce planning process.

Step 1: Understanding the business and its direction

Step 2: Analysing the workforce

Step 3: Identifying skills gaps

Step 4: Assessing future workforce demand

Step 5: Recruitment and retention

Step 6: Understanding labour markets and planning for succession

Step 7: Training and development plans

Step 8: Developing workforce plans.

Following these steps to implement a successful workforce planning process will help you to achieve your aims: a business that runs smoothly, with no staffing crises; a good age, gender and ethnicity balance in the workforce; staff with clear career progression routes without any blockages or shortfalls; and happy customers.