The Bradford Factor is calculated using the following formula: B = S² x D

B = the Bradford score

S = the number of different sickness periods for a particular employee in the past year

D = the total number of days of illness for a particular employee in the past year

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Generally speaking, the higher the Bradford Factor, the more damaging it is to your organisation. Frequent short periods of absence are more difficult to cope with than long periods of absence.

But it is best to take this with a grain of salt. The assumptions implied by the score are not always correct and can be influenced by all sorts of factors. Interpret the Bradford Factor therefore carefully, critically and humanly. Investigate underlying concerns when a high score occurs and enter into a dialogue with the employee in question. Good leadership starts with well-founded and open communication.

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