Voluntary Turnover Rate

Often labeled attrition. Use when you need exits employees chose—not terminations or layoffs.

Voluntary turnover % = voluntary separations ÷ average headcount × 100.

Tip: Keep “Voluntary Exits” and “Average Headcount” on the same basis (period, units, and population) before calculating Voluntary Turnover Rate.

Cluster: HR hub · Engagement score · Percentage guide

Voluntary turnover rate measures resignations and other employee-initiated exits vs average headcount.

Enter voluntary separations and average headcount for the same period.

Employee-initiated separations
Average headcount for the period

Voluntary Turnover

Understanding Voluntary Turnover Rate

How we calculate. Voluntary turnover % = voluntary separations ÷ average headcount × 100. The form uses the same arithmetic as the worked examples on this page. See our methodology and accuracy policy.

Real-world scenario: A typical Voluntary Turnover Rate case uses voluntary exits 36 and average headcount 400. Enter the same figures below to reproduce the worked path.

What is Voluntary Turnover Rate?

Often labeled attrition. Use when you need exits employees chose—not terminations or layoffs.

  • Voluntary = employee-initiated exits
  • Same period as average headcount
  • Pairs with involuntary turnover

The Formula

Voluntary Turnover Rate
Voluntary turnover % = (Voluntary exits ÷ Average headcount) × 100

Worked Example

Scenario: 36 voluntary exits; average headcount 400.
Step 1: 36 ÷ 400 = 0.09
Step 2: × 100 = 9%
Answer: Voluntary turnover is 9%.

Common Use Cases

  • Engagement reviews: regret exits
  • Comp planning: flight risk
  • People dashboards: voluntary trend

Pro Tips

  • Segment regrettable vs non-regrettable
  • Exclude planned retirements if policy says so
  • Annualize carefully for comps

Limitations: Voluntary Turnover Rate results are Educational HR planning aids only—not employment, payroll, or legal advice. Confirm definitions with your HRIS and policies.

FAQ

Same as attrition?

Often yes—many orgs use attrition for voluntary exits. Match your HRIS label.

What if average headcount is 0?

The rate is undefined—enter positive average headcount.

Authoritative References

For people analytics and workforce concepts, consult:

  • SHRM — HR practice resources
  • U.S. BLS — labor statistics context
  • ISO 30414 — human capital reporting