Workforce Planning Flashcards
What is workforce planning?
Identifying what the work needs doing and who should do it. Identifying what type and how many workers an organisation needs and will need in the future.
Why is workforce planning a continuous process?
The workforce is constantly assessed although may be needed in particular due to expansion or when new products are being developed
How might a workforce be planned for the future?
Existing employees may leave due to age, may be many employees of a particular age
What changes might impact the workforce?
- Increase in part time work - single parent families, ageing population
- Greater emphasis on flexible working
- Technology allows employees to communicate more
- People rarely stay in a job for life
What are the steps involved in workforce planning?
- Establishing vacancies
- Writing a job description and person specification
What is a job description?
A detailed explanation of the roles and responsibilities of the post advertised
Refers to the post available rather than the person
What is the person specification?
Sets out the kind of skills and qualifications and experience needed for the role
What are the factors that affect HR needs?
- changing needs - sales increase/decrease
- increased sales: more staff overall
- staff leaving - not always replaced
- improved technology - less need for humans
- change in the method of production
- budget
- economy
- legislation
Why is a balance good in the workforce?
- Age - don’t want people to retire at the same time
- Innovation - new employees with new ideas should be welcomed, but need old ones for culture
- Skills - range of skills necessary
What are the factors affecting the ability of a business to meet HR needs?
- Availability of potential workers
- Skills of potential workers
- Nature of work required
- Demand for workers from other businesses
- Location of the business
- Cost of living in the locality
- Government legislation
