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Bradford Factor calculator

Click or type in the boxes provided to get your Bradford Factor score.

How it works

Absence count
The total number of spells of absence in a given timeframe (normally a rolling 12 month period)

Days absent
The total number of days of absence for the same period

For example, a spell of 2 days absent then a spell of 3 days absent means an absence count of 2 and a days absent count of 5.

Calculator

Absence count

Days absent

Bradford
Factor

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0

What is the Bradford Factor?

The Bradford Factor is a simple formula to apply a relative weighting to unplanned absences. Repeat absences yield a higher Bradford score, suggesting that repeat absences could be having a larger operational impact on your business. 

The Bradford Factor is a simple formula to apply a relative weighting to unplanned absences. Repeat absences yield a higher Bradford score, suggesting that repeat absences could be having a larger operational impact on your business. 

What is an acceptable Bradford score?

Bradford scores shouldn’t be used in isolation and can vastly vary from each business way of managing absences. That said, there are some generic guidelines:

  • 0–50: Indicates minimal absenteeism.
  • 51–200: Can potentially raise some concerns, particularly if the pattern of absences is unexpected.
  • 201–500: Often prompts further review or HR support.
  • 500+: Considered very high, likely can result in formal discussions or other actions.

Bradford scores shouldn’t be used in isolation and can vastly vary from each business way of managing absences. That said, there are some generic guidelines:

  • 0–50: Indicates minimal absenteeism.
  • 51–200: Can potentially raise some concerns, particularly if the pattern of absences is unexpected.
  • 201–500: Often prompts further review or HR support.
  • 500+: Considered very high, likely can result in formal discussions or other actions.

How to use Bradford Factor in HR and payroll management

Rather than using Bradford scores strictly for disciplinary decisions, this is primarily a tool to help you identify potential issues within your team and ensure employees get the support they need. Remember, not all absences are the same, and each business has unique needs.

The easiest is to use a business management software like Sona - it automates Bradford Factor calculations within your reporting, helping identify patterns effortlessly, and allowing managers to step in for proactive support.

Rather than using Bradford scores strictly for disciplinary decisions, this is primarily a tool to help you identify potential issues within your team and ensure employees get the support they need. Remember, not all absences are the same, and each business has unique needs.

The easiest is to use a business management software like Sona - it automates Bradford Factor calculations within your reporting, helping identify patterns effortlessly, and allowing managers to step in for proactive support.

The Bradford Factor, simplified in Sona

bradford-factor-view

Sona’s automatic Bradford Factor tracking helps managers quickly identify absenteeism patterns and take timely action to improve retention and employee well-being.

Eliminate manual calculations

Automatically track all absence data, including frequency and duration

View individual Bradford Factor scores for each team member

View demo
bradford-factor-view

Sona helps organisations manage employee absences more effectively

Book a demo today to learn more.