WORKFORCE CONTROLLING / PRACTICAL GUIDE
Workforce forecasting: actuals, known movements and remaining plan
A workforce forecast is a time-phased view, not a copy of the latest headcount multiplied by twelve.
Separate closed and open months
A July forecast may contain January–June closed actuals and July–December remaining planned months. Do not overwrite closed actuals when assumptions change.
Apply effective dates
A position expected to start in October affects only the relevant forecast months. Moving it from October to July changes the year-end cost without necessarily changing year-end HC.
Keep forecast vintages
Retain earlier forecasts as identifiable versions. Compare July forecast with April forecast to show whether timing, number of positions or cost assumptions changed.
Show the complete view
Report ending HC, average FTE, annual personnel cost, unresolved assumptions, and the source date for the closed-actual period.
About the examples: All numerical examples are illustrative. Actual results depend on your defined workforce population, source coverage, effective dates, pay rules and currency assumptions. Planned position detail is not proof of individual actual occupancy.