Work sampling is a common technique and is a technique that needs careful attention as to not take away time from processes. When using measuring techniques, like work sampling, and creating performance indexes for workers, it important to stick to what is being sampled and not gather irrelevant information. It needs to be specifically measured in order for valuable information to be used and the company to benefit.



The advantage to work sampling is making the company aware of what works and does not work. It is a tool that can move a company forward; it can also be the end to a cause that has been pulling the company backwards. The period of the study needs to have a strict focus so that the activity that is being observed can be qualified and of quality. Moreover, the people or persons conducting the sample need to be experts or experienced in the activity being measured (Jacobs et al, 2009). Another advantage to remember is that work sampling helps a company to create a baseline standard, one that is aligned with goals and mission, so that any additional measuring tools or further work samples can and will be easier to measure.

Now, if we take a look at some disadvantages, will it out weigh the advantages? Not necessarily; however, worthy to consider. A very important disadvantage work sampling does encounter is the experience level and the variances of skill sets of the employees. Is the company getting valuable information when they are observing an employee of 2 days old versus 2 years old? When the performance standard is rated and then implemented as standard, will it be achievable and realistic? Does the work sample consider this variance so the specific activity being measured is fairly rated? It’s a lot to consider. Therefore, the number of samples that need to run could be a huge disadvantage.

General Business Contracting Associates can assist in identifying your "forward or backward" motions and find your track to success.