What's the Bradford Factor?
The Bradford Factor is a practical way to measure the potential impact of employee absence, based on research findings that frequent, short-term absences tend to be more disruptive than occasional longer ones.
What's the calculation?
(S × S) × D = B, or
S² × D = B
where S = total number of instances of absence
and D = total number of days/shifts of absence
and B = the Bradford Factor (BF) score
This is usually calculated over a 52-week period, with higher BF scores being less favourable.
The calculation in action:
Employee 1 was absent 4 times, totalling 6 days.
Their Bradford Factor is calculated as: (4 × 4) × 6 = 96
Employee 2 was absent 2 times, totalling 8 days.
Their score is: (2 × 2) × 8 = 32
Although Employee 2 had more total days off, Employee 1’s frequent short absences are considered more disruptive, which is why their Bradford Factor score is higher.
Sense and the Bradford Factor
As an administrator, you can use the Sense Workplace app to track employee absence with the Bradford Factor by setting up an absence scheme. It not only generates individual scores, but also provides insight into absence trends across teams, departments, and the wider organisation, while accounting for varied working patterns, split shifts, part days, and leavers.
Is the Bradford Factor right for my organisation?
The Bradford Factor shouldn’t be used in isolation, but when applied thoughtfully, it can be a valuable tool in managing absence effectively.
It works best in organisations that:
- Understand its limits and are mindful of how it might affect employee morale
- Use it alongside broader strategies, like back-to-work interviews and proactive support programs
- Have clear, transparent absence policies that employees trust and understand
When combined with a human approach, the Bradford Factor can help highlight patterns without turning into a blunt instrument.
Head over to our blog if you want to know more.