Absence Rates Capacity Calculator Examples
Worked examples showing how expected absence changes scheduled hours, lost hours, and available workforce capacity.
These examples show how to apply an expected absence percentage to different staffing plans. They use simple planning assumptions and are intended as estimates rather than forecasts of actual attendance.
How to Read Your Results
Scheduled hours are the total planned hours before the absence adjustment.
Estimated lost hours show the amount of scheduled time expected to be unavailable.
Available capacity is the scheduled time remaining after expected absence is deducted.
Staff equivalents express remaining capacity as an average share of the scheduled workforce.
Compare available hours with the hours needed for planned work, while also checking required skills and shift coverage.
Assumptions & Important Notes
- Each example assumes that all scheduled staff work the stated average hours per day.
- The absence percentage is applied evenly to all scheduled hours.
- No overtime, temporary cover, productivity adjustment, or vacancy allowance is included.
- Staff-equivalent capacity is an average for the full planning period.
Related Examples
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate capacity for one working week?
Enter scheduled staff, their average daily hours, five working days if applicable, and the expected absence percentage. The result estimates available weekly hours.
Can I use the calculator for a one-day plan?
Yes. Set working days to one and use the staff and hours planned for that day.
How should I handle part-time staff in an example?
Use an average daily-hours value only when it reasonably represents the group. Otherwise, calculate full-time and part-time groups separately and add their available hours.
What happens when the absence rate is zero?
Available capacity equals all scheduled hours and staff-equivalent capacity equals scheduled headcount.
Can I compare a short plan with a longer plan?
Yes, but compare both the available hours and the assumptions behind the absence rate, since absence patterns may differ by period length.
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