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From spreadsheets to strategy: making workforce planning human | 014 episode artwork

Jan 7, 2026 22 min

From spreadsheets to strategy: making workforce planning human | 014

from Employee Activation Hosted by Employee Activation

Spreadsheets, headcount forecasts and workforce models don’t exactly scream “riveting listening”. But when workforce planning is done right, it can be one of the most powerful levers an organisation has — and that’s exactly what this episode uncovers. In this conversation, David Edwards, author of The Strategic Workforce Planning Handbook, takes us behind the scenes of how some of the world’s most complex organisations — including RBS, NatWest Group, and Ericsson — have turned workforce planning from a once-a-year numbers exercise into a true business advantage. David shares his proudest real-world wins, unpacks why workforce planning must be both strategic and human, and explains how aligning HR, finance and operations can unlock smarter decisions, stronger capability, and a more resilient workforce. We also explore what workforce planning looks like in an age of AI and skills disruption — and why leaders who get this right now will be miles ahead tomorrow. If you’ve ever felt that workforce planning was important but hard to bring to life, this episode will change the way you think about it.

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From spreadsheets to strategy: making workforce planning human | 014

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How long is this episode of Employee Activation?

This episode is 22 minutes long.

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This episode was published on January 7, 2026.

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