What is Bradford Factor in HRM?

[Biju]

The 'Bradford Factor' or 'Bradford Formula' is used in human resource management as a means of measuring absenteeism. The theory is that short, frequent, and usually unplanned absences are more disruptive than longer absences.

The exact origin is unknown, but it is believed to have had some connections with Bradford University’s School of Management, hence its name. Although this has never been confirmed, the name has stuck and it is popular shorthand for this type of approach to absence management.

The Bradford Factor is calculated as follows:
B = S² x D

where:

    * B is the Bradford Factor score
    * S is the total number of instances of absence during the last 52 weeks
    * D is the total number of days absent during the last 52 weeks

For example:

    * 1 instance of absence with a duration of 10 days is 10 points (1 x 1 x 10)
    * 5 instances of absence each with a duration of 2 days is 250 points (5 x 5 x 10)
    * 10 instances of absence each with a duration of 1 day is 1000 points (10 x 10 x 10)