Workforce Planning

Question 1

Workforce planning

Answer 1

Workforce planning is about trying to predict the future demand for different types of staff.

It means ensuring that there will be the right number of workers, with the right skills, doing the right jobs, at the right time and in the right place.

Question 2

Main factors that influence workforce planning

Answer 2

Business objectives - such as increasing output or opening new branches, will require more employees

Labour market changes - labour market tends have implications of recruitment and retention of staff.

Demographic and social change - demographic change, such as ageing population in the UK, is affecting the demand for products and services required by this age group

Technological change - many manual task can now be carried out by robotic technology, reducing the demand for certain types of labour

Question 3

Benefits of workforce planning

Answer 3

Tackle problems such as staff shortages
Ensure the production of quality products and services
Cope with peaks and troughs in supply and demand
Reduce employee turnover