Absence Rates Velocity (Individual) Calculator
Compare an individual's absence rate across two periods and estimate how quickly that rate is changing over time.
Overview
Use this individual absence rate velocity calculator to compare absence as a share of scheduled working time across two periods. Enter absence days, scheduled days, and the time between the periods to see the current rate, prior rate, and the average direction and speed of change.
How it works
The calculator divides absence days by scheduled days for each period and converts the result to a percentage. It then subtracts the earlier rate from the current rate to find the change in percentage points. Dividing this change by the number of months between the periods gives the average monthly absence rate velocity. Comparing rates based on scheduled time helps account for periods with different numbers of working days.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter the absence days recorded in the current period.
- 2Enter the employee's scheduled working days or shifts for that period.
- 3Add the same information for an earlier comparable period.
- 4Enter the months between the midpoints of the two periods.
- 5Review the absence rate and monthly velocity; a negative velocity means the rate has fallen.
Example Calculation
Current-period absence days
5
Current-period scheduled days
60
Previous-period absence days
2
Previous-period scheduled days
60
Time between period midpoints
3
Current absence rate
8.33%
The current absence rate is 8.33%, compared with 3.33% previously. This is an increase of 5.00 percentage points, or an average velocity of 1.67 percentage points per month.
Frequently asked questions
What is an individual absence rate?
It is the proportion of an individual's scheduled working time that was lost to recorded absence during a selected period. This calculator expresses it as a percentage of scheduled days or shifts.
What does absence rate velocity mean?
Absence rate velocity is the average speed and direction of change in the absence rate over time. It is shown in percentage points per month; a negative value indicates that the rate is declining.
Why use scheduled days instead of calendar days?
Scheduled days reflect the time the person was expected to work. This makes comparisons more meaningful for part-time workers, shift patterns, leave, and periods with different numbers of working days.
Should the two periods be the same length?
Using periods of the same length is usually the clearest comparison, but it is not essential. The calculator uses each period's scheduled days and then standardizes the trend by the months between periods.
Why can the relative rate change be very large?
A small earlier absence rate can make even a modest increase appear large in relative percentage terms. The percentage-point change and monthly velocity are often easier to interpret in that situation.
Does a rising absence rate explain why someone was absent?
No. The calculation only summarizes recorded time lost relative to scheduled time. It does not show causes, context, patterns, or whether any action is appropriate.
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Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- Absence rate is calculated as absence days divided by scheduled working days or shifts.
- Both periods should use the same absence definition and include comparable scheduled time.
- Velocity is an average change in percentage points per month between the two period midpoints.
- The result describes recorded absence data and does not identify the reasons for absence.
- Results are estimates based on the figures entered and may be affected by incomplete records or different working patterns.
Warnings
- Use absence information fairly, consistently, and in line with applicable workplace policies and employment requirements.
- A change in an absence rate alone should not be used to draw conclusions about an individual's health or circumstances.