Absenteeism Rate Calculator
The absence rate across a workforce — days lost per employee, the cost, and how it compares to a benchmark.
The Bradford-style measure divides days lost by days available.
How the absenteeism rate calculator works
The Bradford-style measure divides days lost by days available. Two to three per cent is common; above five usually points at something structural rather than at individuals.
The cost is more than the salary of the absent day, because output is either lost or covered at a premium. This shows both, since which one applies depends entirely on whether the work waits.
Formula: rate = days lost / (employees × working days)
Worked examples
| Inputs | Absence rate | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 780 days across 120 people | 2.6% | 2.6% — near benchmark |
| A high-absence workforce | 7% | 7% — structural |
| Low absence | 1% | 1% — below benchmark |
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is a normal absence rate?
Two to three per cent of working days in most professional settings. Frontline and shift work typically runs higher.
How is the rate calculated?
Days lost divided by days available — headcount times working days in the period.
Why does cover cost more than salary?
Because it is usually overtime, agency staff or a contractor, all of which are priced above the substantive rate.
Is a very low rate good?
Not necessarily. Near-zero absence often means presenteeism — people coming in ill, which spreads infection and produces little.
Should I benchmark by industry?
Yes. Comparing an aged-care roster to a software team tells you nothing. Compare to similar work with similar physical demands.
Where these figures come from
- CIPD — Employee turnover and retention factsheet — the turnover and stability index definitions used here
- US Department of Labor — the federal labour department
Last checked: September 2026. These are standard management definitions; where practice varies, the page says which convention it uses.