equivalent labor factor (ELF)

Multiplier used in conversion of man-hours into the number of full-time workers or employees needed to complete a job within a given timeframe. It takes into account labor losses due to holidays, vacations, sick leave, and leave (with or without pay) but excludes overtime. There is no standard ELF as it differs from firm to firm, year to year, and location to location, due to different holidays, leave policies, and work practices. Also called equivalent personnel factor or labor conversion factor.