Work Load Assessments

Practical Considerations

A Training Sampler

What is a Work Load Assessment?

A process to measure work patterns and volumes, and related productivity levels within a group and/or for specific individuals

Must be suited to the nature of the work being measured and the environment in which it is measured

May require identifying and researching similar work environments to determine their standards for productivity levels for comparative reasons

The Trick Is…

…to develop a transparent process that fits both the requirements of the assignment and the environment where it will occur AND that is understood by all affected parties…

When is a Work Load Assessment Typically Requested?

When there is conflict within a work unit related to shared work

When employees complain to their manager of uneven work loads

When managers want to assess current work volumes and flows

When employees resist suggestions to increase their productivity levels or add to their list of duties

When employees distrust their manager’s ability to fairly assign work

When employees claim similarities between their jobs and those of others in other classifications

When is a Work Load Assessment Appropriate?

The manager and his/her senior are committed to follow through

All affected (management, employees, unions) understand the purpose of the effort and support its implementation

The context allows sufficient information, or opportunities to collect information, to ensure a concrete, reasonably objective assessment of work loads and/or productivity levels

There is a need for documented measurements of productivity

The presenting problem really is a work load issue…

Types of Work Load Assessments

Time and Motion Study (manufacturing) Work Flow Study (financial, operational

and administrative processes) Volumes Assessment (specific, discreet

functions) Task List Comparisons across

classifications (tasks lists and functional levels)