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Workforce planning is really important and needs to be carried continuously in order to keep up to date with developing requirement, trends of human resources and the current workforce. Workforce planning is about estimating that you have the right amount of people complete with the right skills, all in the right place and time. This is the key to a successful and progressive business. 

The need to plan for the unknown is now greater than ever in this current economic climate. Business is increasingly competitive and this means that organisations are forced to plan ahead in order to survive and avoid disaster. 

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Benefits of workforce planning: 

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• Allows for more effective and efficient use of employees

• Ensures that the right people are in the right role at the right time

• Aids organisations by forcing them to set objectives and make sure they are met

• Focus’s employee’s attention on meeting goals and being successful

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When it comes to creating a workforce plan, there are a few things to take into consideration:

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• The process should not be seen as a prediction of the future as this could lead to disappointment. Instead, see it more as a long-term context for business issues and an approximate plan of action. Remember things can change and that the plan will be constantly changing with the times. 

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• Remember that workforce planning is challenging and it may put stress on your HR department. You need to allow for this and make sure your staff have the resources to complete the job.

 

• Try not to be too ambitious with your planning, especially when it comes to setting objectives. Stick to attainable objectives and goals otherwise the plan will be of no use whatsoever. You can’t ever predict everything that is going to happen in the business world so make sure the plan is realistic. 

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