Workforce planning is not a one-off project but a continuous cycle of evaluation and adaptation.

The cycle typically follows four repeating phases: 

Plan: Align with business strategy, set objectives, and gather data. 

Analyze: Assess the current workforce and model future demand to identify gaps. 

Act: Develop and implement targeted strategies to close identified talent gaps. 

Review: Monitor key metrics, evaluate the impact of your initiatives, and gather feedback. 

This cyclical nature ensures the workforce plan remains a living document, constantly evolving in response to internal changes and external market dynamics.

A workforce planning framework is the conceptual structure that supports and guides the entire process.

It outlines the key components, their relationships, and the principles that underpin effective planning. 

A robust framework typically includes: 

Strategic Context: The business environment and goals. 

Data Foundation: The systems and metrics for analysis. 

Process & Methodology: The steps for supply/demand/gap analysis. 

Solution Design: The strategies for closing gaps (e.g., build, buy, borrow, automate). 

Governance & Roles: Who is responsible and how decisions are made. 

Technology Enablement: The tools that support the process. 

This framework ensures a comprehensive and consistent approach.