Absence Rates Cost Calculator FAQ
Answers to common questions about absence rates, cost inputs, results and the limits of absence cost estimates.
Use these answers to understand what the calculator estimates, which inputs matter and how to interpret the results.
General questions
Basic definitions and use cases.
What does the calculator estimate?
It estimates annual direct absence cost, selected paid replacement-cover cost, lost workdays and average cost per employee.
What is an absence rate?
It is the percentage of scheduled working time or workdays lost to employee absence.
Who can use this calculator?
It can be used for internal workforce planning, cost modelling and scenario comparisons.
Inputs and formula
How the calculation uses the information entered.
What working-day figure should I enter?
Use scheduled working days per employee for the period, excluding non-working days as appropriate to your records.
What are employer on-costs?
They are employment costs beyond gross pay, such as payroll taxes, pensions, insurance or benefits where relevant.
What does replacement coverage mean?
It is the percentage of absence days expected to require paid overtime, temporary staff or contractor cover.
Accuracy and interpretation
Important limits of the estimate.
Is the result an accounting total?
No. It is a planning estimate based on average inputs and selected assumptions.
Does it include productivity loss?
Not by default. It only includes paid cover entered through the replacement settings.
Why may actual costs differ?
Actual outcomes can vary with role mix, pay arrangements, sick-pay treatment, timing and operational requirements.
How is annual absence cost calculated?
The calculator adds direct fully loaded absence cost to paid replacement-cover cost.
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