Absence Rates Velocity (Individual) Calculator FAQ
Answers to common questions about individual absence rate calculations, monthly velocity, inputs, assumptions, and interpretation.
This FAQ explains what the calculator measures, how to enter comparable data, and how to interpret rate changes carefully. It is an educational tool for summarizing recorded absence data.
General questions
Basic definitions and intended use of the calculator.
What is an individual absence rate?
It is the proportion of an individual's scheduled working time recorded as absence in a selected period, expressed as a percentage.
What does absence rate velocity mean?
It is the average speed and direction of change in the absence rate between two periods, measured in percentage points per month.
Who can use this calculator?
It can be used by people reviewing recorded absence data for an individual, provided the information is handled fairly and consistently.
Inputs and calculation
How the calculator uses absence days, scheduled days, and time intervals.
Should I enter workdays, shifts, or calendar days?
Enter scheduled workdays or shifts. Do not use calendar days unless they are the individual's scheduled working days.
What should the time between period midpoints be?
It is the number of months from the midpoint of the earlier period to the midpoint of the current period.
Can the two periods have different scheduled-day totals?
Yes. The calculator produces a percentage for each period using that period's own scheduled-day total.
How is the absence rate change calculated?
The previous absence rate is subtracted from the current absence rate, producing a difference in percentage points.
Understanding results
What positive, negative, absolute, and relative results indicate.
What does a positive monthly velocity mean?
It means the current recorded absence rate is higher than the earlier rate on average over the comparison interval.
What does a negative monthly velocity mean?
It means the current recorded absence rate is lower than the earlier rate on average over the comparison interval.
What is the difference between percentage points and relative change?
Percentage points are the direct difference between two rates. Relative change compares that difference with the earlier rate.
Why can relative rate change be very large?
When the earlier absence rate is very low, even a small percentage-point increase can be large relative to that baseline.
Accuracy and context
Important limits on how results should be used.
Does a rising rate explain why someone was absent?
No. The calculation describes recorded time lost relative to scheduled time and does not establish causes or context.
Can the result predict future absence?
No. Velocity is an average historical change between two periods, not a forecast.
Why might the result be unstable?
Short periods or small schedules can cause one absence day to have a large effect on the percentage.
Should a calculator result be used on its own?
No. It is a summary metric and should be considered alongside accurate records, relevant context, and applicable workplace processes.
What does absence rate velocity mean?
It is the average speed and direction of change in the absence rate between two periods, measured in percentage points per month.
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