Workforce Planning is Real - and there is a Standard!

Russell Klosk from HP provided a great overview of the History of Workforce Planning, and the general theme is more a celebratory speech that Workforce Planning has arrived. This was credited by how deep, from a content perspective, the previous speakers have been. The presentations have been done by real practitioners, doing real projects, and having real results!.

1. We know how to do this!

Russell shared that 900 people have been working for the last 3 years on developing the soon to be finalized Strategic Workforce Planning Standard by ANSI. The most recent draft can be found here. This is also a global effort - Australia has a standard, Canada has one, and Singapore has one.

We also have certifications from HCI on Strategic Workforce Planning.

The lesson is that if you are trying to figure it out - then reach out and ask for help - as others have done it.

2. Data Integrity is key and first thing you have to do

3. Supply Chain is the best analogy to implement workforce planning

This analogy resonates with other leaders. Russell then showed a bunch of different workforce planning's, but the underlying theme is that the model needs to connect to the business model.

4. Tools

Russ then provided in the deck (for later download) - a couple of spreadsheets that are a great starting point for companies to use. 

5. Its about the Story

Russ provided a great one page slide that shows how to explain SWFP to the executives and how it is being applied to the company. What he focused on making the story specific to your business.