FAQs

Many users raise recurring questions when using the Workforce planning  in Jisr. In this article, we've compiled the most common inquiries to help clarify key points and improve the overall user experience:

1. What is Workforce Planning in Jisr?

It is a centralized tool that helps organizations forecast future headcount and workforce cost while managing new hires, replacements, departures, and internal transfers in one structured workflow.

2. Who is responsible for creating and submitting workforce plans?

Department managers typically create and manage plans. Only the plan owner can submit the plan for approval.

3. How does Jisr calculate workforce cost?

Jisr automatically calculates total cost to company, including:

• Salary
• Allowances
• Benefits
• Government fees (work permit, residency, etc.)
• Insurance
• Travel cost & tickets.
•  Accruals (EOS & leaves)

This removes manual spreadsheet calculations.

4. What happens after I submit a plan for approval?

The plan becomes read-only and moves through the configured approval workflow. Approvers can:

• Approve
• Request changes
• Comment on entries

The plan unlocks only if an approver requests edits.

5. Can the system handle replacements for departing employees?

Yes. When you record a departure, you can choose Replace position, making the net headcount change zero. The system also adjusts cost based on the salary difference between the outgoing and incoming employees.

6. What is the difference between a new hire, departure, and internal transfer?

• New hire: Adds new headcount.
• Departure: Reduces headcount unless replaced.
• Internal transfer: Moves an employee within the company. Headcount stays the same, but cost and department allocation may change.

7. Will approved plans automatically create job requisitions in the ATS?

Not yet, we are still working on the integration between ATS & WFP 

8. Can I track plan status and approval progress?

Yes. Jisr displays:

• Number of approvals completed
• Next approver
• Approval flow
• Comments and history

This provides full transparency across departments.

9. How does Workforce Planning help Finance and HR?

It provides:

• A single source of truth
• Accurate cost forecasts
• Clear headcount planning
• Automated workflows instead of spreadsheets
• Real-time visibility into hiring requests and cost impact

10. Can I duplicate or edit a plan?

Yes. You can duplicate existing plans to reuse structures.
You can edit a plan until it is submitted. After submission, edits are only allowed if an approver sends the plan back for changes.

11. Why workforce planning is important

A centralized and data driven planning process supports stronger operational and financial outcomes. It helps organizations:

Create a single source of truth

All staffing actions are consolidated into one system, not multiple spreadsheets.

Reduce errors and manual work

Structured line items prevent common mistakes in modeling , replacements, and transfers.

Strengthen HR and Finance alignment

Both teams operate from the same data and the same cost assumptions.

Increase leadership visibility

Executives can monitor planned versus filled roles and understand remaining openings.

Respond to mid year changes instantly

Attrition, transfers, and  updates the plan through a controlled workflow.