Q&A With Karen; ReThink Productivity’s Workload Model Expert

3rd December 2024

As we approach the end of the year, now is the perfect time to be thinking about the next twelve months and how you should budget for your business’ operations.

Karen is our Workload Model Expert – she helps clients to develop, maintain and run their business-specific models. 

We asked Karen these questions so you can get to know more about her and her role at ReThink. 

Describe your role within the ReThink team

“I work with our customers to build their workload model, which typically follows a ReThink work study. The end-to-end model process usually takes a few months – it comprises a mixture of build time for me, data collection for them and model validation for both of us.

Once the model is ready, I will hand it over, provide a detailed training session and give plenty of supporting documentation to help them maintain the model. I’m never too far away though, and I’m always on hand to help with queries and advice.

Some customers use our subscription service which enables me to provide ongoing support. For example, I can help with ad hoc initiative changes or I can amend the model for quarterly or annual updates etc. This allows them to focus their attention on the strategic investment decisions while I look after the model build changes for them.

Occasionally, I’m asked to review customers’ externally-built models on an advisory basis.”

Why is workload modelling so important?

“Workload modelling enables businesses to have the right number of people available to complete their tasks. This can then be used to schedule people in the best way to meet the demands of that business. It isn’t about saving costs – it’s about distributing what you have in the fairest way to deliver your unique brand strategy.”

What is your favourite part of the job?

“Whilst the workload modelling process always follows a similar flow, no two customers or projects are the same, making it an interesting and fun role. It’s great to work with so many different customers and learn how their businesses work, what constraints or challenges they have, and what their vision is for their workload model.”

Can you tell us a little about your background?

“I have over 20 years’ retail experience, mostly in the support office environment. The majority of this time was spent in workload modelling and stock operations roles, but I’ve covered other areas too, such as loss prevention. During this time, I also completed a degree in Business & Finance, as well as obtaining qualifications in Prince 2, Psychology and CBT.”

How can your experience help our clients?

“Like both Simon and Sue, I’ve lived workload modelling for the majority of my career. I know the challenges to overcome and the importance of the process, whether it’s providing a model that stands up to integrity, getting your stakeholders on board, or having the time required to provide a quality product.”

Give us an example of how your workload modelling service has helped a client

“I work with a customer who uses our subscription service. It’s great that they feel confident to use me as a ‘sounding board’ and I’m able to use my experience to offer different perspectives and ways of doing things. We have regular check-ins which enables us to plan for their future business needs and provide ‘what-if’ scenario testing to help them understand the impact of projects on their budget.”

To discover how Karen can help your business to achieve the best allocation of your available salary and hours, contact us today.