Understanding HR Metrics: How Do You Calculate Turnover and Absenteeism Rates?

Ramya Bhagavan
Hello Friends,

As we all know, numbers speak for themselves. What's expressed in numbers is generally understood easily and is justifiable in a more convincing manner when compared to literature. The below-mentioned ratios are definitely indicative of the performance of HR in any given organization and are the most widely used and accepted methodology for calculation.

Employee Turnover

Well, many of us are at crossroads as to how to calculate Employee Turnover. Each one of us has a standard, and when we compare our statistics with other organizations, we are embarrassed, aren't we?

Here is the equation set by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Turnover = (Number of employee separations during the month / Total number of employees at Mid-Month) * 100

Let's hope that from now on, all of us speak on the same wavelength, eh!

Absenteeism Rate

Various methods of measuring or computing absenteeism exist. Here is the formula suggested by the US Department of Labor:

{Number of person-days lost through job absence during the period / (Average number of employees) X (Number of workdays)} * 100

Cost of Interview

CoI = (ST + MT) / nI

ST = Total staff time spent on interviewing candidates (staff hourly rate x hours spent)

MT = Total Managers time spent on interviewing candidates (managers hourly rate x hours spent)

nI = Number of candidates interviewed

Cost of Hire

CoH = ST + MT + AC + PC

ST = Total staff time spent on interviewing candidates (staff hourly rate x hours spent)

MT = Total Managers time spent on interviewing candidates (managers hourly rate x hours spent)

AC = Advertisement Cost (if multiple ads, then divide ad cost by the number of positions)

PC = Placement charges paid

Regards,

Ramya
vatsyayan
Hi Ramya,

It was indeed very useful information for all of us. Thank you. Do you think these are applicable to our country? I mean, the formulas that were given were adopted by the US labor force, so is it the same all over the world? It may vary for each country, right? Just clarify this for me.

One more thing, how were these formulas derived?
lalita
Hi Ramya,

Interesting information. I would like to know the source of the information and the assumptions made during the derivation if you have them.

Cheers!
Lalita
rilusmpstm8@yahoo.com
Hi Ramya,

This is a really informative article. Could you tell me how to numerically represent performance measurement?
Ramya Bhagavan
Hi Friends,

Thank you for the response. These ratios are applicable to industries across the world. According to the US Labor Bureau, these are the formulas we need to use, which are specified as international standards when arriving at the specific ratios. I am not aware of the process by which these formulas were arrived at, but I will definitely let you know once I have hands-on information on this.

Regards,
Ramya
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