Workforce Planning Steps 

Executing a workforce plan can be broken down into clear, actionable steps. 

First, gain executive sponsorship and align with business goals. 

Second, form a cross-functional team with HR and business leaders. 

Third, analyze your current workforce data comprehensively. 

Fourth, forecast future demand based on strategic objectives. 

Fifth, identify the critical gaps between supply and demand. 

Sixth, develop and prioritize action plans to close those gaps (e.g., launch a training program, adjust recruitment strategy). 

Seventh, implement the strategies and assign clear ownership. 

Finally, continuously monitor metrics and refine the plan as business conditions change.

Workforce Planning Template 

A workforce planning template is a pre-formatted document or spreadsheet that helps standardize and simplify the planning process.

A robust template typically includes sections for: 

Business Goals: The strategic objectives driving the plan. 

Current State Analysis: Data on headcount, roles, skills, tenure, and costs. 

Future State Forecast: Projected needs for headcount, new skills, and budgets. 

Gap Analysis: A clear matrix highlighting shortages, surpluses, and risks. 

Action Plan: Specific initiatives, owners, timelines, and required resources. 

Success Metrics: Key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress. 

Using a template ensures consistency and captures all critical elements.