Handbook for Government Work Force Requirements

It is difficult for most organizations to determine how many workers they need for a given period of time. Federal government agencies have a particularly difficult time determining work-force requirements because their outputs are often indistinct, reversible, and seem unrelated to changes in their work force. Yet the work-force requirements process is essential to maintaining or improving productivity. The process includes such elements as unit selection, workload forecasts, conversions to basic staff needs, assessments of staff alternatives, and support for the budget process. These elements can also result in more efficient procedures and a more effective management evaluation process. GAO has reviewed various aspects of the work-force requirements process and pointed out the need for more effective systems within the government. These guidelines represent many of the successful elements and criteria used by agencies that have an effective requirements process.