Absence comes in all shapes and sizes – and it can last anything from a few days to several months. The Bradford factor is a great way of measuring the level of absenteeism in your workplace.
The term is believed to have been coined due to its supposed connection with research undertaken by the Bradford University School of Management.
The annual sickness report in Breathe provides a Bradford Factor score for each person. This is calculated using the following formula:
E² x D = Bradford Factor
E represents the number of instances of absence
D represents the total number of days absent in 52 weeks
For example, if a person was absent from work on 3 separate occasions with a total of 4 days off the calculation would look like this:
3 x 3 x 4 = 36
The person’s Bradford Factor would therefore be 36.
A person who takes frequent short spells of sick days will have a higher Bradford Factor compared with a person who takes infrequent but longer periods off sick.
For example, if a person has a total of 4 days off sick in a year, their Bradford Factor score will be very different depending on the number of instances of absence:
One instance of sick totalling 4 days: 1(E) x 1(E) x 4(D) = 4
Two instances of sick totalling 4 days: 2(E) x 2(E) x 4(D) = 16
Three instances of sick totalling 4 days: 3(E) x 3(E) x 4(D) = 36
The Bradford Factor calculation does not take account of the reason for the absence. Therefore, it is wise to use the Bradford factor as an initial trigger for any short and frequent absence but it should never be used in isolation.
Need a little hand working it out? No problem. We've created a calculator on our site to help.
FAQ:
Can I reset the Bradford Factor?
The Bradford factor cannot be reset in Breathe. The Bradford factor along with all sickness works on a rolling 12-month period, every day that passes is the end/start of a new 12-month period. You are unable to specify a start and end date for this.
What timescale does the Bradford Factor cover?
The Bradford Factor covers 52 weeks.
How do I read the Bradford Factor score?
A lower number is a good thing, the higher the number the more times the person has been sick
Here is a little blog we wrote if you need to share it with your colleagues:
