How can you balance your team's workload using resource leveling?

Resource leveling is a project scheduling technique that aims to balance the workload of your team members by adjusting the start and finish dates of tasks, without changing the project scope or duration. It can help you avoid overloading or underutilizing your resources, as well as reducing the need for overtime, hiring, or subcontracting. In this article, you will learn how to apply resource leveling to your construction projects using four simple steps.

1 Identify your resources

The first step is to identify the resources that you need for your project, such as labor, equipment, materials, or subcontractors. You should also determine the availability, capacity, and cost of each resource, as well as any constraints or dependencies that affect their allocation. For example, you may have a limited number of workers, machines, or trucks that can perform certain tasks, or you may need to coordinate with other contractors or suppliers for specific deliveries or installations.

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Joseph Allison

Building Contractor @ JLove Building Construction | Project Management
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Identify the project tasks and resources: First, identify all the tasks required to complete the project and the resources (including team members) needed for each task. Assign an estimated duration for each task.

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Clint Engler

CEO/Principal: CERAC Inc. FL USA..... 🎯 🌐🧿🚩🌎Consortium for Equitable Research, Analysis & Communication
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Spreadsheets are great, but consider using project management software with Gantt charts or similar timelines. Seeing everyone's tasks and deadlines laid out visually makes imbalances readily apparent. Prioritize ruthlessly: Not all tasks are created equal. Identify critical tasks that must be completed on time and focus on distributing those evenly. Less urgent tasks can be adjusted or delegated without derailing the project. Flex your schedule: Can tasks be shifted within deadlines? Can deadlines be slightly adjusted for critical team members? Explore options to smooth out peaks and valleys in individual workloads without jeopardizing the overall project timeline. Communicate and collaborate: Talk to your team!

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2 Create a resource histogram

The next step is to create a resource histogram, which is a graphical representation of the demand and supply of each resource over time. You can use a spreadsheet or a project management software to generate a resource histogram based on your project schedule and resource assignments. A resource histogram can help you visualize the peaks and valleys of your resource usage, as well as identify any overallocation or underallocation issues. For example, you may notice that some resources are required for more hours than they are available, or that some resources are idle for long periods.

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3 Adjust your schedule

The third step is to adjust your schedule to level your resources, that is, to distribute the workload more evenly across your team. You can use various methods to achieve this, such as splitting, delaying, or overlapping tasks, changing the sequence or priority of tasks, or adding or removing slack time. However, you should always consider the impact of your changes on the project scope, duration, quality, and budget, as well as on the expectations and satisfaction of your stakeholders. For example, you may need to negotiate with your client, sponsor, or supervisor for any schedule changes that affect the project milestones or deliverables.

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4 Monitor and update your plan

The final step is to monitor and update your resource leveling plan throughout the project execution. You should track the actual performance and consumption of your resources, as well as any changes or issues that may arise. You should also communicate your plan and any updates to your team members, stakeholders, and other parties involved in the project. You should also review and revise your plan as needed, based on the feedback and lessons learned from your project. For example, you may need to adjust your plan if you encounter unexpected delays, risks, or opportunities that affect your resource availability or demand.

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Cordella Medley Gayle, CAMLS, CIRM, FCPA, MBA, FCCA, FCA, CBCP

Experienced Professional in Anti-Money Laundering & Compliance| Forensic Accounting| Risk Management| Accounting| BCM |Training
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I believe the possible challenges and alternatives also need to be identified during the initial stages as this will be valuable during the monitoring stage to help keep the plan on track.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Construction Management

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How can you balance your team's workload using resource leveling?

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3

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1 Identify your resources

2 Create a resource histogram

3 Adjust your schedule

4 Monitor and update your plan

5 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

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How can you balance your team's workload using resource leveling?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Identify your resources

2 Create a resource histogram

3 Adjust your schedule

4 Monitor and update your plan

5 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

Rate this article

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