Measure demand before choosing headcount
Translate the requirement into hours over a defined period. Include positions that must be staffed simultaneously and any planned overlap. Then choose a matching full-time hours baseline and identify which unavailable time is already accounted for.
Capacity and coverage are different checks
An FTE estimate can show enough hours in aggregate while a roster still has gaps. Check the hours with the greatest demand, the skills required and the distribution of part-time schedules before making staffing commitments.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate FTE from hours?
Divide the hours in the chosen period by the hours that represent one full-time employee in the same period. Three people working 20 hours each equal 1.5 FTE on a 40-hour baseline.
Does an overlap compensate for a later gap?
No. Three people at noon cannot cover a missing person at 15:00. Surplus and missing person-hours are reported separately.