Workload data can help determine if a Department is appropriately staffed to achieve its service levels and assist in determining the cost recovery of specific tasks in relation to the associated fees. As indicated in the following recommendation, when reviewing the Department’s fee structure, staff should understand the true cost of an activity (e.g., a staff member’s hourly wage multiplied by the time involved); this data is then used to set cost recovery goals for various activities. Without tracked time data, the Department cannot accurately determine the cost of a given activity and establish cost recovery goals.
Having access to accurate and complete workload data will allow staff to more accurately assess activity levels and staffing needs throughout the Department and assist in making informed decisions in regards to staffing, work assignments as well as help determine if staff has the capacity to take on additional special projects.