Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

Definition

A standardized unit of measurement representing one full-time employee's work capacity, used to calculate staffing levels when you have a delightful mix of full-time and part-time workers.

Example Usage

Our department operates with 7.5 FTEs despite having 12 people on the roster.

Origin

Management accounting practice from the 1960s

Fun Fact

Two part-time employees working 20 hours each = 1 FTE, yet somehow manage to accomplish vastly different amounts of work.

Source: HR Management Standards

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