Workforce Planning Guide - Ies Report 451 Author:Dilys Robinson, Wendy Hirsh This practical guide uses an eight-step approach to help both HR practitioners and managers through the workforce planning process. Step 1: Understanding the business and its direction; Step 2: Analyzing the workforce; Step 3: Identifying skills gaps; Step 4: Assessing future workforce demand; Step 5: Recruitment and retention; Step 6: Understan... more »ding labor markets and planning for succession; Step 7: Training and development plans; and, Step 8: Developing workforce plans. Following these steps to implement a successful workforce planning process will help you to achieve your aims: a business that runs smoothly, with no staffing crises; a good age, gender and ethnicity balance in the workforce; staff with clear career progression routes without any blockages or shortfalls; and happy customers.« less