In maintenance and reliability operations, workforce utilization refers to how effectively maintenance technicians, schedulers, and supervisors use their time. When utilization is low, work slows, costs rise, and productivity suffers. An efficient utilization model ensures that every team member’s effort contributes to value, not just the appearance of busy work.
One barrier to high utilization is poor planning. Maintenance schedulers need to design schedules that fill the day with meaningful tasks. Supervisors must ensure that teams follow through. Without solid scheduling and leadership oversight, technicians often have downtime or idle periods that don’t add value.
Another issue is system design. If work management tools, CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems), or operating practices allow gaps—where parts are missing, tasks are unclear, or priorities shift unexpectedly—teams spend time waiting or improvising rather than executing. Better utilization requires clear task definitions, predictable workflows, and coordination between scheduling, operations, and maintenance.
And it’s not just about having people on deck—it’s about empowering individuals to use their skills. When technicians understand their planned work, when parts will arrive, and what the goals are, their productivity improves. Leadership plays a critical role here: supervisors that check in, give feedback, and hold teams to schedules help turn intent into results.
Across industries worldwide—from energy and utilities to manufacturing—improving workforce utilization has benefits. It supports regulatory compliance, protects safety, enhances asset performance, and helps build morale and trust across teams.
Watch the “Quarantined – Day 13 – Workforce Utilization” video to explore practical steps for improving utilization in your organization’s maintenance operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is workforce utilization in maintenance?
A: It refers to how well maintenance teams’ time is used to execute planned tasks rather than waiting, idle periods, or undefined work.
Q: Why is utilization important in different regions?
A: Because scheduling complexity, parts supply, regulatory requirements, and workforce practices vary by location—improving utilization helps ensure consistency and reliability everywhere.
Q: How can I start improving utilization?
A: Begin with clearer schedules, better task definitions, improved communication between schedulers, supervisors, and maintenance staff, and using tools to track planned vs. actual work.
