Work study (time and motion study)
The challenge
A large proportion of spend by councils is on wage bills and though this varies from council to council, achieving efficiencies on workforce spend is considered to be a fundamental driver to achieving efficiency savings overall. Areas that have been considered by councils to drive up workforce efficiency include maximising the use of resources against service need and tackling overtime or ad-hoc unpredictable wage payments. These factors are fundamental in driving up productivity.
Our expertise
APSE understands the value of public services, because of its background in direct service delivery; it also understands the need for operational efficiency. The consultancy draws on the expertise of a large network of former practitioners who can often identify potential for savings and service improvements.
More information on the skills of our associates can be found by clicking here
Our approach
Time study (or “time and motion study” as it is also known) is a work study technique for recording and rating directly observed tasks, breaking them down into component work elements and separating out effective and ineffective time. Consequently one of the key aspects of this kind of activity sampling is the identification of the amount of time spent between productive and non-productive activities. Productive elements include brushing, litter picking, channel sweeping, pavement sweeping and emptying litter bins. Non-productive activities include driving between depot and location and site to site, personal time (including breaks), talking to members of the public and waiting for fuel / water to fill tanks.
During the review, separate studies are carried out to provide a snapshot of current performance and productivity levels. Standard performance is the level of effort that an average employee should achieve in the conditions being observed and is set numerically at 100. Variations above and below the standard are rated in intervals of 5.
Quotes / facts
Glasgow-born engineer Russell Mackenzie Currie (1902 - 1967) was one of the early pioneers of management services, credited with having first used the term work study. However, he has often been quoted as tipping his hat to much older times:
“Work Study is as old as industry itself. The first man who succeeded in simplifying his job by the use of his reason can be considered its unconscious founder.”
More information
Briefings
- ‘Workforce and staff absence: Maximising efficiency’ Briefing 10/58, October 2010
- ‘Workforce and productivity: Maximising efficiency’ Briefing 10/57, October 2010
Contact us
For further information on consultancy services, please contact:
- Andy Mudd, Principal Consultant
- Gayle Gibson, Senior Consultant
- Davina Rai, Client Co-ordination Officer
Or telephone APSE on 0161 772 1810 for an informal discussion on how we can help you or about any of the other services APSE provides.
Our other offers
For information about other APSE consultancy offers, please use the links below.