Recently we blogged about the differences between qualitative and quantitative analysis, and why it’s important to use both in your workforce planning process.  We said that "glimmers of true insight are most likely to be visible via discussions, in between the lines and in the cracks, places where many quantitative techniques don’t go and qualitative approaches scratch the surface of"!

While quantitative techniques such as "best/worst/most likely" forecasts may seem to offer the promise of an accurate picture of the future workforce, it’s vital to remember that the numbers they offer are only possibilities, and that they are made on assumptions which might not be true - or might not hold true into the future (all forecasts are made on assumptions). Unlike just looking at numbers, qualitative techniques such as discussing the context of the workforce and the probabilities of outcomes with the business helps you attain real insight into the future workforce.

Although these techniques are useful in any situation, they are particularly important in an economic downturn such as the one we are currently experiencing. Right now, we need to understand how our decisions impact our long term results without being driven purely by numbers -  we have to make sure we make the right decisions to help us tackle our coming challenges, and numbers don't give us that.  Adding qualitative techniques to our approach means that we reduce our long term risk...which ensures we maximize value.

To find out more about quantitative and qualitative research and how to use them, visit our website to download our whitepaper, Operational vs. Strategic Workforce Planning: Understanding the Difference and When to Use Each, or contact us!