What is the core objective of a Gap Analysis in workforce planning?

• A. To forecast annual sales revenue.
• B. To measure employee engagement.
• C. To assess the difference between the organization's current workforce capabilities and the future requirements needed to achieve strategic goals.
• D. To evaluate vendor performance.

Answer: (C)

Gap analysis in workforce planning focuses on identifying the gap between where the organization’s workforce is now and where it needs to be in the future to achieve strategic goals. It involves assessing current skills, roles, headcount, and competencies, then comparing them to the projected requirements driven by strategy, growth, and change. The purpose is to quantify shortages or surpluses and to prioritize actions such as hiring, training, reskilling, leadership development, or restructuring so the organization can reach its intended outcomes.

For example, if a company plans to expand its digital products, gap analysis would reveal whether there are enough data scientists, software engineers, and product managers with the needed skills, by when they’re required, and how to close any shortfalls. The other activities described—forecasting sales revenue, measuring employee engagement, or evaluating vendor performance—address different aspects of business planning, people mood, or supplier management, rather than identifying the capability gaps needed to meet future goals through workforce changes.