What is typically the first step in creating a workforce plan?

Creating organizational mission, vision, and values is typically the first step in developing a workforce plan because it establishes a foundational understanding of the organization's goals and objectives. These elements guide decision-making and help ensure that the workforce plan aligns with the overall strategic direction of the organization.

By clearly defining the mission, vision, and values, HR leaders can determine the type of talent needed to support those goals and can subsequently align workforce planning activities—such as hiring, training, and development initiatives—with the organization's long-term objectives. This alignment is essential for cultivating a workforce capable of driving the organization forward.

Other steps, like assessing current employee performance or conducting market research, are also important in workforce planning but follow the strategic framework established by the mission, vision, and values. Implementing a hiring strategy would be one of the later stages in the planning process once the foundational elements have been set.