Work sampling is a statistical technique used to estimate the proportion of time spent on various activities within a job or process. By observing a worker or a group of workers at random intervals, researchers can gather data on how much time is dedicated to specific tasks. This method helps organizations identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement without needing to conduct continuous monitoring.
The results from work sampling can inform decisions about resource allocation, training, and workflow optimization. For example, if a manufacturing plant finds that workers spend too much time on machine setup, they can implement changes to streamline that process, ultimately increasing productivity.