Work out shift roster coverage instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Continuous coverage requires far more staff than the number of positions suggests: four positions covered 24/7 is 672 hours a week, which is nearly 17 FTE before any allowance for leave, sickness and training. The relief factor is what turns a theoretical roster into a workable one.
Weekly hours
Weekly hours = Positions x Hours per day x 7
Staff required
Staff = Weekly hours / 40 x (1 + Relief factor %)
Typically 18-25% for a workforce with statutory leave, average sickness and mandatory training. Higher for roles with heavy certification requirements.
Almost always because the relief factor was set too low, so every absence has to be covered by overtime or a gap in cover.