Attrition Rate
Published
April 22, 2026
Last updated
April 22, 2026
Definition
The attrition rate is a key performance indicator used to measure the rate at which employees leave a company, either voluntarily or involuntarily. It is a crucial component of workforce planning, providing insights into employee retention and the overall health of an organization's culture and work environment. Companies track this metric to understand workforce stability, identify potential internal issues, and forecast future staffing levels and recruitment costs.
From a financial perspective, a high attrition rate directly impacts a company's bottom line. It increases expenses related to recruitment, hiring, and training new employees, while also leading to potential productivity losses during the transition period. Accurate attrition figures are essential inputs for FP&A teams when conducting headcount planning and forecasting salary-related operating expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three types of attrition?
What is the difference between attrition and turnover?
How do you calculate attrition rate?
See Pigment in action
The fastest way to understand Pigment is to see it in action. Sign up today and explore how agentic AI can transform the way you plan.

From 8 days to 4 min
Update P&L actuals & financial forecasting
80%
Time cut on data aggregation
12 hours
Saved per month on executive reporting
6 days faster
For scenarios creation and analysis