How much workload is a ‘good’ workload for human beings to meet the deadline: human capacity zone and workload equilibrium

Abstract

When given a ‘good’ workload, human participants can efficiently complete the assigned task within the time limit, while they may fail to complete it due to low efficiency when given a ‘bad’ workload. The objective of this research is to investigate how much workload is considered ‘good’ for individuals to meet a deadline and successfully complete the assigned task. High work efficiency can be achieved by manipulating workload assignments and assigning them to different individuals at the appropriate time. We have defined the range of this ‘good’ workload as the capacity zone, which should be supported by necessary interventions from computers or human instructors. The capacity zone represents the area between the two workload equilibrium points, whose position and shape are influenced by factors such as mental capacity, maximum efficiency, and stress limit. Our analysis and simulation results indicate that humans are only capable of effectively completing a large amount of workload assignment by the deadline when working within their capacity zone. Therefore, this research aims to enhance overall work efficiency by customising workload allocation strategies based on different individuals' capacity zone and providing timely intervention when they are working beyond their capacity zone.