HR Glossary
Predictive Analytics
What is Predictive Analytics?
Predictive analytics is the use of data, statistical techniques and algorithms to identify patterns and forecast future outcomes. In a workplace context, it helps organisations anticipate trends such as sickness absence, employee wellbeing risks, and workforce pressures before they become significant issues.
Rather than only reporting on what has already happened, predictive analytics focuses on what is likely to happen next, enabling earlier and more informed decision-making.
How Predictive Analytics Works
Predictive analytics combines historical data with modelling techniques to estimate future events. In people and absence management, this often includes analysing:
- Past absence records
- Frequency and duration of sickness absence
- Role, department or location trends
- Seasonal patterns or recurring triggers
These insights are used to highlight areas of potential risk, allowing organisations to take preventative action.
Predictive Analytics in Absence Management
When applied to absence management, predictive analytics can help employers:
- Identify employees or teams at risk of long-term absence
- Spot emerging absence trends across departments or locations
- Understand the likely impact of health-related issues on productivity
- Plan interventions earlier to support employee wellbeing
This proactive approach reduces reliance on reactive responses once absence levels have already increased.
Benefits of Predictive Analytics for Employers
- Earlier intervention and prevention
- Reduced long-term sickness absence
- Better workforce planning and resource allocation
- More consistent, evidence-based decision-making
- Improved employee wellbeing outcomes
How Does Predictive Analytics Improve Employee Trust?
Used responsibly, predictive analytics supports fair and transparent people management. It focuses on trends and risk indicators rather than making assumptions about individuals, helping organisations balance data-driven insights with compassion and confidentiality.
How GoodShape Uses Predictive Analytics
GoodShape uses predictive analytics to help organisations move from reactive absence management to proactive wellbeing support.
By analysing absence data in real time, GoodShape identifies patterns and early warning signs that may indicate an increased risk of prolonged or recurring absence. This allows managers and HR teams to take timely, appropriate action, such as having supportive conversations, making reasonable adjustments, or signposting employees to relevant health services
Predictive insights within GoodShape help organisations prioritise interventions, allocate resources effectively, and support employees before issues escalate, leading to better outcomes for both the business and its people.