Formula guide
How to Calculate the Bradford Factor
The Bradford Factor is a way of scoring employee absence patterns. It is mainly used to identify frequent short-term absence, because repeated absence occasions increase the score faster than one longer continuous absence.
It is calculated with the formula S2 x D = B. S is the number of separate absence occasions, D is the total number of days absent, and B is the final Bradford Factor score.
Step-by-step calculation
- Count the number of separate absence occasions in the measurement period.
- Add the total number of working days absent across those occasions.
- Square the number of occasions by multiplying it by itself.
- Multiply that result by the total absence days.
Example formula
If an employee has 3 separate absence occasions and 7 total days absent, the score is 3 x 3 x 7 = 63.
Common mistakes
- Counting every day as a separate occasion instead of counting each absence period.
- Mixing calendar days and working days without a consistent policy.
- Using the score automatically without considering policy, disability, pregnancy, or health context.