Individual Absence Rate Sensitivity Calculator FAQ
Answers to common questions about comparing individual absence rates, estimated absence days, attendance effects and cost estimates.
This FAQ explains the inputs, calculation logic and interpretation of an individual absence rate sensitivity analysis. Results are estimates based on the values entered and should be considered alongside relevant circumstances and policies.
General questions
Basic information about the calculator and its purpose.
What does the Individual Absence Rate Sensitivity Calculator do?
It compares a current absence rate with a scenario rate to estimate differences in absence days, days available for attendance and absence-related cost.
Who is this calculator for?
It is designed for analysing one individual's scheduled working days and absence-rate assumptions for planning or comparison purposes.
Does the calculator measure an individual's performance?
No. It only performs a numerical comparison of entered absence rates, working days and daily cost assumptions.
Inputs and calculation
Questions about the values used in the estimate.
What should I enter for working days per year?
Enter scheduled working days for the period, excluding days that are not scheduled workdays.
What is the difference between current and scenario absence rate?
The current rate is the baseline estimate. The scenario rate is the alternative percentage you want to test.
How are scenario absence days calculated?
Scheduled working days are multiplied by the scenario absence rate divided by 100.
What can be included in cost per absent day?
It can be a consistent estimate of relevant costs, such as pay, cover, overtime, administration or lost output, depending on your purpose.
Understanding results
How to interpret the comparison outputs.
What does a negative estimated cost change mean?
It means the scenario's estimated cost is lower than the current estimate using the entered daily cost.
What does a positive attendance-day change mean?
It means the scenario estimates more scheduled days available for attendance than the current rate.
Why are the results shown to one decimal place?
Percentage-based calculations can create fractions of a day. The decimal is an estimate over the selected period.
Can a result be zero?
Yes. If the current and scenario absence rates are the same, the estimated changes in absence days, attendance days and cost are zero.
Accuracy and use
Important context for using the estimate responsibly.
Are the results guaranteed savings or outcomes?
No. They show the arithmetic effect of the inputs. Actual absence and costs can differ from the estimate.
Can I use the calculator for a shorter period than a year?
Yes. Use scheduled working days and absence rates that are both relevant to the same month, quarter or other period.
Does a lower absence rate always mean a practical reduction is possible?
No. The calculation does not assess causes of absence, individual circumstances, workplace conditions or the feasibility of a change.
Should this be the only basis for an employment or health decision?
No. It is an estimate only and does not replace consideration of relevant policies, circumstances or appropriate professional input.
How are absence days calculated from an absence rate?
Multiply scheduled working days by the absence rate divided by 100.
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