The Strategic Workforce Planning Handbook

David Edwards' book provides a hands-on framework for strategic workforce planning grounded in real-world practice across finance, operations and HR. It emphasizes viewing workforce decisions through capability, capacity, cost and risk rather than simple headcount forecasts.

The book argues for focusing on the strategic segments of the workforce, creating minimum viable operating models, and embedding SWP in business decision-making.

Edwards uses storytelling and practitioner examples to explain politics, data challenges, stakeholder engagement, and how to start with business-relevant problems rather than grand programs.

The handbook is positioned as a pragmatic tool for CHROs, people analytics leads and workforce planners facing AI-driven and skills-driven change.