A work sampling investigation of white collar workers (female-clerical)

Abstract

This investigation was carried out to determine the distribution of the work effort of clerical workers into the different work activities. It was also intended to determine the amount of time spent on personal needs by the above group of workers and compare it with the personal and/or fatigue allowances reported by various authors in texts on motion or time study.

In the four departments selected, a total of 30 workers were observed. Fourteen work-and-delay-activities were listed on an observation sheet and some of them were further qualified by such such suffixes as “a,” “b,” “w,” and “p.”

The workers were observed at all times of the working hours, except official rest periods, using a scheme of systematic sampling. The purpose of the investigation was made known to the workers prior to the beginning of the actual observations, to ensure a normal and relaxed atmosphere.

An examination of the computed data shows that although there is considerable variation in the productivity of the different departments, the percentage of the percentage of the total personal delays is consistent from one department to another. This again varies significantly within each department, as the “direct work” and supporting delays.” There is enough evidence to believe that, within each department, individual workers have stable work patterns, although at different levels.