Work Load Assessments

1. Work Load Assessments Practical Considerations A Training Sampler

2. 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

3. 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…

4. 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

5. 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…

6. 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)