Flevy Management Insights Q&A
How to build a staffing model in Excel?


This article provides a detailed response to: How to build a staffing model in Excel? For a comprehensive understanding of HR Strategy, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to HR Strategy best practice resources.

TLDR Develop a staffing model in Excel by aligning workforce strategy with organizational goals, using data-driven analysis, scenario planning, and regular updates for accuracy.

Reading time: 5 minutes

Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they related to this question.

What does Workforce Planning mean?
What does Data-Driven Decision Making mean?
What does Scenario Planning mean?
What does Stakeholder Engagement mean?


Creating a staffing model in Excel is a critical task for ensuring your organization has the right number of employees with the right skills at the right time. This process involves forecasting both your short-term and long-term staffing needs based on your business objectives, current workforce, and market trends. A well-crafted staffing model can help you optimize your workforce, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency. Here, we will delve into how to create a staffing model in Excel, offering a framework that combines consulting wisdom with practical strategy.

First, understand that a staffing model is not just about numbers; it's about aligning your workforce strategy with your organization's overall goals. Start by defining your strategic objectives and identifying the key drivers of your staffing needs. These could include projected growth, seasonal fluctuations, or new market entries. Consulting firms like McKinsey and Deloitte often emphasize the importance of a data-driven approach to workforce planning. This involves collecting and analyzing historical data on your workforce's performance, turnover rates, and productivity levels. By leveraging this data, you can identify patterns and predict future staffing requirements more accurately.

Next, develop a template in Excel that can accommodate your data and analysis. Your template should include sections for each department or role within your organization, current employee headcount, projected growth or contraction, skills required, and any gaps in your current workforce. Utilize Excel's formulas and functions to automate calculations such as turnover rates, productivity rates, and future staffing needs. This will not only save time but also increase the accuracy of your model. Remember, the goal is to create a dynamic tool that can be updated easily as your staffing needs evolve.

Finally, incorporate scenario planning into your staffing model. This involves creating multiple versions of your staffing plan based on different assumptions about the future, such as changes in market conditions, technology advancements, or shifts in consumer behavior. Tools like Excel's Scenario Manager can be particularly useful here, allowing you to compare different staffing scenarios side by side and assess their implications for your organization. This approach ensures that your staffing strategy remains flexible and adaptable, no matter what the future holds.

Key Components of a Staffing Model

When building your staffing model in Excel, several key components must be included to ensure its effectiveness:

  • Workforce Analysis: Start with a thorough analysis of your current workforce, including roles, skills, and performance metrics. This provides a baseline for your staffing model.
  • Demand Forecasting: Use historical data and market research to forecast future staffing needs. This should account for both organic growth and potential market expansions or contractions.
  • Supply Analysis: Assess the availability of the required skills in the labor market. This may involve looking at trends in education, migration, and industry shifts.

Each of these components plays a crucial role in creating a staffing model that is both strategic and operational. By integrating these elements into your Excel template, you can develop a comprehensive view of your staffing needs, enabling more informed decision-making.

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Best Practices for Staffing Model Maintenance

Maintaining your staffing model is just as important as creating it. Regular updates and reviews are necessary to ensure it remains relevant and accurate. This includes updating the model with new data, revisiting assumptions, and adjusting forecasts as needed. Engage stakeholders from across the organization in this process to gather diverse insights and ensure buy-in. Additionally, leverage technology to automate data collection and analysis where possible, freeing up time for strategic thinking and planning.

Another best practice is to integrate your staffing model with other HR and operational systems. This can provide a more holistic view of your workforce and facilitate more seamless planning and execution. For example, linking your staffing model to your HR information system (HRIS) can automate the flow of data on employee turnover, hiring rates, and skill sets, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of your model.

In conclusion, creating a staffing model in Excel requires a strategic approach that aligns with your organization's goals, a detailed template that captures all relevant data and assumptions, and a commitment to regular maintenance and updates. By following the steps and best practices outlined above, you can develop a staffing model that not only meets your current needs but also positions your organization for future success. Remember, the ultimate goal is to ensure that you have the right people, with the right skills, in the right places, at the right times, to achieve your strategic objectives.

Best Practices in HR Strategy

Here are best practices relevant to HR Strategy from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our HR Strategy materials here.

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HR Strategy Case Studies

For a practical understanding of HR Strategy, take a look at these case studies.

HR Strategic Revamp for a Global Cosmetics Brand

Scenario: The company is a high-end cosmetics brand that has seen rapid international expansion over the past 18 months.

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Talent Acquisition Strategy for Biotech Firm in North America

Scenario: A mid-sized biotech company in North America is struggling to attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive market.

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Strategic HR Transformation for Ecommerce in Competitive Digital Market

Scenario: A rapidly growing ecommerce firm in the digital retail space is facing challenges in attracting, retaining, and developing top talent amid an increasingly competitive market.

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Talent Strategy Overhaul for Semiconductor Manufacturer in High-Tech Sector

Scenario: A leading semiconductor manufacturing firm in the high-tech sector is striving to align its workforce capabilities with the rapidly evolving market demands.

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Supply Chain Optimization Strategy for Apparel Retailer in North America

Scenario: The company, a leading apparel retailer in North America, is facing significant challenges in its supply chain operations, directly impacting its HR strategy.

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Revitalizing Talent Management for a Tech Conglomerate

Scenario: A multi-national technology conglomerate is facing challenges in managing its diverse talent pool spread across the globe.

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Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

What strategies can organizations employ to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are effectively integrated into remote work policies?
Organizations can integrate DEI into remote work policies through inclusive policy design, leveraging technology for accessibility and fairness, and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, ensuring all employees feel valued and can thrive regardless of location. [Read full explanation]
In what ways can technology be leveraged to enhance the employee experience, particularly in terms of mental health and well-being support?
Technology enhances employee mental health support through personalized well-being platforms, VR for stress management, and data analytics for proactive interventions, fostering a supportive and resilient workforce. [Read full explanation]
What role does data analytics play in enhancing the effectiveness of talent management strategies in the current business environment?
Data analytics enhances Talent Management by informing decision-making in Recruitment, Performance Management, Employee Retention, and Succession Planning, leading to improved hiring quality, personalized performance goals, higher retention rates, and effective leadership transitions. [Read full explanation]
How can leadership development programs be tailored to better prepare leaders for managing a diverse and inclusive workforce?
Leadership development programs should incorporate D&I education, personalized strategies, experiential learning, continuous updates, and focus on measurement and reinforcement to effectively prepare leaders for managing a diverse and inclusive workforce. [Read full explanation]
How is the gig economy changing Talent Management strategies for both short-term and long-term workforce planning?
The gig economy is transforming Talent Management by necessitating more agile, strategic workforce planning, integrating technology for efficiency, and fostering a culture that values gig workers for operational excellence and innovation. [Read full explanation]
What role does data analytics play in enhancing Talent Management decision-making in the current business environment?
Data Analytics revolutionizes Talent Management by improving hiring quality, enhancing employee engagement, and optimizing L&D, ensuring strategic, informed decisions for future workforce planning. [Read full explanation]

Source: Executive Q&A: HR Strategy Questions, Flevy Management Insights, 2024


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