Posted By Chris Packham
Nick

I think we first need to define what we mean by "workload". I suggest there is a difference between someone carrying out a manual task, e.g. loading or unloading supermarket shelves, a skilled machine tool operator, a craftsman, such as a cabinet maker and a senior executive in a multi-national organisation.

It might be possible to define and quantify workload for manual tasks, possibly even for the cabinet maker, for example hours worked, quantity of materials handled, etc. However I am not sure how one would go about quantifying the workload for the senior executive.

Equally a consultant's workload might be enormous for one period (eg when engaged on a specific project for a client) and far less so at others (eg when attending a conference).

Chris

Posted By Kieran J Duignan
Nick

An indicator of workload can be derived from the 'timespan of discretion' methodology.

It originated with a psychologist called Elliott Jaques working with the Glacier Group back in the 1950s and 1960s. It was developed further by one of his students, Dr. Gillian Stamp, who used it in several large organisations, including mines.

In recent years, the methodology has been computerised in a tool sold by ASE.

Posted By Kieran J Duignan
... a product of delinquent mid-life, which started with counselling, psychology and ergonomics and appears likely to continue till my time-liabilities outstrip my time-assets.

In this specific case, as I entered safety management mainly from a counselling base, I've always been keen to trace the kind of measure that Nick enquires about. So, I trained to use it with Gillian Stamp at Brunel University before it was souped up and computerised.

Incidentally, while there's little doubt that some people suffer personal injury stress, I think that as 'S & H professionals', we are well advised to use the research such as Peter Warr's at Sheffield University on forms of 'Wellbeing': for there's reliable evidence that wellbeing can contribute up to a differential of 19% in performance. In practice, auditing wellbeing can be more effective than auditing stress - so it not only achieves the legal compliance advocated by the HSE but also raises energy and engagement levels when executed effectivedly

Posted By Kieran J Duignan
Nick

While 'timespan of discretion' may sound, underlined, 'academic', it has been associated with the practicalities of safe and profitable enterprise where it has been applied competently. Read the available reports for yourself.

Come to think of it, 'academic' is too tritely used amongst safety practitioners unwilling to review their own assumptions and notice how unpractical and outdated they are. Sadly, rather like the notion you express about wellbeing