Common questions
What is a good Bradford Factor score?
Lower is better, and most policies treat anything under 51 as no concern. The widely used trigger points are 51, 201 and 401, but you should set thresholds that match your own absence policy and the realities of your workforce.
Why does the formula square the number of absences?
Squaring S means frequency matters far more than total days. Ten one-day absences score 1,000, while one ten-day absence scores 10. The logic is that frequent unplanned absences are harder to plan around than a single known stretch.
Should I discipline someone over a high score?
A high score is a signal to start a supportive conversation, not an automatic disciplinary step. Genuine illness, caring responsibilities and disability-related absence all need care, and many fall outside what the score should drive. Use it to spot patterns worth understanding.
Does the Bradford Factor cover the rolling 52 weeks only?
Yes, the standard approach uses a rolling 52-week window so the score reflects recent behaviour rather than someone's entire history. Older absences drop out as the window moves forward.
Figures are estimates using published benchmarks. Sources shown above; rates reviewed annually.
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