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)