Workload in Project Management – Definition and Meaning
Workload (also referred to as utilization) in project management describes the amount of work or tasks assigned to a specific resource (e.g., an employee, a machine) within a defined period of time. The term is used to manage resource utilization and especially to prevent overloads. Workload is typically displayed in resource plans by comparing the assigned working time to the available capacity of the resource.
Example, best practice, and further information
In a consulting firm, a workload overview might show that a consultant has been assigned 30 hours for various projects in the upcoming week, while their general availability is 40 hours. A best practice is to review the workload of resources regularly and adjust assignments as needed. This aligns with the principles of resource management in the PMBOK Guide and agile capacity planning, helping to prevent employee burnout and maintain productivity.
