Glossary
Attrition Rate

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?

The three main types of attrition are voluntary (employee resignation), involuntary (termination or layoff by the company), and retirement (employee leaves the workforce).

What is the difference between attrition and turnover?

Attrition typically refers to employees leaving roles that the company does not intend to refill, often due to restructuring, while turnover includes all separations where the role is usually backfilled.

How do you calculate attrition rate?

The attrition rate is calculated by dividing the number of employees who left during a period by the average number of employees for that same period, then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage.

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