How do you balance workload and team size?

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Director of Customer Success in Hardware2 years ago

We use an algorithm that calculates workload based on different levels or status of projects. If the overall calculated team load reaches a threshold we know to be super stressful, we back off projects or ask for more headcount. We have years of historical data, can use to predict peaks and valleys. When a new project comes in, we use the personal workloads to assign to the least loaded individual. When someone goes on vacation, we use the personal workloads to divide the work up fairly across the team. Seems to work pretty well.

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no title2 years ago

Interesting approach. Does this algorithm work with a sprint board?

no title2 years ago

You&#39;d have to model for your own needs. If the sprint board contains variables that reflect workload, and you can weight those variables differently, then it should work. But the team has to have a say in the algorithm, so they buy-in to the calculating and subsequent new work assignments.<br>

Director of IT in Education2 years ago

I prioritize workload based on staff skills and efficiency of producing work products without compromising quality.

Senior Vice President, Product Design and Data Analytics in Finance (non-banking)3 years ago

Always need continuous calibration as complexity of work varies. I prefer being results oriented and give enough time for the team to learn. It’s always better in the long run when you can manage to delegate better. For urgent projects, I show how it’s done while I’m doing it. Finally, I delegate the job of load balancing within the team in rotation. That helps them manage it better as far as results and quality delivery is an outcome. Hope it helps!

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Director, Second Line Assurance in Banking3 years ago

Understand individual goals and team objectives, and allocate work equitably such that each person will end up with approximately the same amount of workload in terms of the time they will spend during the week. 

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CISO in Real Estate4 years ago

Task work bested suited for individuals specialities, be the coach in the team myself.

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