# Workforce Planner Checklist

Agentnoon is designed to be intuitive — most users complete these steps in their first session.

This checklist covers key workflows for HR and Finance teams managing enterprise-wide workforce planning and strategic initiatives.

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## Annual Planning Cycle

Complete workflow for fiscal year workforce planning.

### Pre-Planning

1. Review prior year actuals vs. plan and identify lessons learned
2. Collect hiring plans from all department leaders
3. Align with revenue targets, business objectives, and budget constraints from Finance

### Scenario Development

1. Create a scenario named "FY\[Year] Workforce Plan" using Full Org
2. Add positions by quarter with realistic hire dates and salaries from rate cards
3. Align total headcount to revenue/headcount ratio targets
4. Apply merit increases and model promotions with effective dates
5. Create scenario variants (e.g., Conservative, Moderate, Aggressive growth)

### Analysis & Approval

1. Switch to Forecast view to review headcount ramp, cost trajectory, and budget alignment
2. Compare scenario variants and document trade-offs
3. Share scenarios with department leaders and Finance for validation
4. Prepare executive presentation with forecast visuals
5. Submit the final scenario for formal approval
6. Communicate the approved plan and set up quarterly reviews

**Learn more:** [Multi-Year Planning](/forecast/multi-year-planning.md)

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## Budget Reduction Planning

Use this workflow for cost reduction initiatives.

### Preparation

1. Get the target savings amount and timeline from Finance
2. Review current workforce costs by department
3. Identify high-cost areas or duplicative roles and consult with department leaders

### Scenario Creation

1. Create a scenario named "Budget Reduction - \[Target]" using Full Org
2. Use Directory view with filters (sort by salary, filter by department) to identify positions to close
3. Bulk close positions with effective dates, tracking progress toward the savings target in the OpEx Panel
4. Check Span of Control after cuts and fix any broken reporting relationships

### Comparison & Approval

1. Create multiple cut scenarios (Conservative, Moderate, Aggressive) to compare options
2. Compare total savings, headcount reduction by department, and impact on key capabilities
3. Model the implementation timeline with effective dates
4. Submit the final scenario for executive approval

**Learn more:** [Modeling Budget Cuts](broken://pages/eBC22qCOxC7oqgsbSrqO)

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## Compensation Planning

Annual compensation cycle planning.

### Preparation

1. Get the total compensation budget from Finance
2. Review rate cards and market data
3. Gather manager recommendations for merit and promotions

### Scenario Creation

1. Create a scenario named "FY\[Year] Compensation Plan" using Full Org
2. Apply merit increases to eligible positions, differentiating by performance level
3. Update titles and salaries for promotions, setting effective dates
4. Add market adjustments for roles below market rate

### Analysis & Approval

1. Verify total cost aligns with the compensation budget
2. Check for equity issues (pay gaps by gender, ethnicity, etc.)
3. Export data for Finance review
4. Submit for approval

**Learn more:** [Compensation Planning](broken://pages/bnH3mWf596XwhTr8JLfS)

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## Quarterly Business Reviews

Track and report on workforce plan progress each quarter.

1. Refresh Main Org with latest HRIS data
2. Compare actual headcount and budget spend vs. plan
3. Create a forecast update scenario to adjust for delayed hires, unplanned attrition, or new positions
4. Export forecast data showing plan vs. actuals, revised forecast, and variance explanations
5. Present findings and recommend course corrections if needed

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## Additional Resources

* [Quick Start Checklist](/reference-guides/quick-start-checklist.md)
* [Forecast Overview](/forecast/overview.md)
* [Building Headcount Forecasts](/forecast/building-headcount-forecasts.md)
* [Multi-Year Planning](/forecast/multi-year-planning.md)
* [Scenario Comparisons](/scenarios/comparisons.md)


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