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What is a Workload Analysis?
A workload analysis helps jurisdictions determine the staffing resources needed to operate an effective and efficient pretrial services program. It provides a structured approach for understanding how staff time is spent and whether staffing levels align with operational demands, program expectations, and supervision responsibilities.
Why conduct a workload analysis?
A thorough workload analysis helps pretrial programs…
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- determine staffing needs for pretrial assessments and ongoing case management
- understand how staff time is spent across program responsibilities
- support budget development, staffing requests, and strategic planning
- ensure workloads are realistic, sustainable, and aligned with program expectations
- plan for growth, policy changes, and varying needs over time
Who can conduct a workload analysis?
Jurisdictions can conduct a workload analysis internally, or they can partner with outside experts, such as the Center for Effective Public Policy (CEPP), who can provide technical assistance, facilitation, expertise in staffing-analysis, and guidance on developing sustainable and effective pretrial staffing models.
Professional workload analysts…
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- are familiar with analysis models and calculations
- are viewed as objective, unbiased, and credible
- bring fresh perspectives on existing challenges
- are aware of trends, best practices, and common pitfalls related to pretrial justice
How to conduct a workload analysis
1. Determine the population served
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- Review local booking, release, and supervision data to determine the population the program will serve each month
- Determine the number of people requiring pretrial assessments
- Determine the number of people expected to be supervised by the program
2. Identify staff responsibilities
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- Identify all staff activities and tasks associated with operating the pretrial program
3. Determine time & staffing needs
Conduct a time study to determine how much staff time is required per activity, then calculate total monthly staff hours. To calculate the monthly workload,
- Determine task volume — how many times each task occurs per month
- Multiply task volume by estimated time per activity
- Calculate total monthly staff hours
- Convert total hours into estimated staffingneeds/FTEs
Adjust this figure based on supervision levels, court schedules, administrative responsibilities, logistical challenges, and local practices
Using the results
With a thorough workload analysis, your agency can:
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- develop realistic staffing plans
- estimate personnel costs
- support budget development
- justify funding, staffing, and technology requests
- improve workload distribution and operational efficiency
- ensure staff can effectively conduct assessments and handle supervision, court support, and case management responsibilities over time
To learn more or find out how we can assist you with a workload analysis, contact us.
