Strategy · HR glossary

Headcount Planning

Headcount planning determines how many people an organisation expects to employ in particular roles, teams or locations. It connects current staffing, vacancies, expected departures and proposed hires.

Example

A department starts with 20 employees, plans four hires and expects two departures, producing a projected closing headcount of 22 if all movements occur.

What to keep in mind

Distinguish approved positions, filled positions and people. State whether contractors, employees on leave and part-time staff are included so finance and HR use the same basis.

Put it into practice

Headcount planning calculator

Further reading

← Browse all HR terms