Headcount Planning Cheat Sheet

My workforce analytics strategy is No. 1 in my toolkit.

I even discuss it with my peers regularly.

Short story: A year ago, I implemented a workforce analysis approach that streamlined headcount planning and reduced costs.

But… Analytics still gets “mixed reactions.”

What most people think:

1. Scenario planning takes too much effort.
2. Analytics is for HR, not finance - actual quote.
3. I don’t have time for detailed workforce metrics.

What you should be thinking is:

1. This actually reduces costs and drives better decisions.
2. It’s easier to start small with trends and metrics.
3. I need to use workforce data “with intent.”

Bonus: Leadership teams notice thoughtful workforce insights.

The goal is always to align workforce needs with strategic goals, something ad-hoc planning can’t achieve.

Analyze with intent → Time well spent.