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WorkforceGlossary Term

Utilisation Rate

The percentage of available hours that crews or equipment are actively billable to a client. A low utilisation rate signals idle resources eating into margins. Subcontractors track this metric to assess workforce efficiency and bid competitiveness.

Related Terms

Geofencing

Workforce

A virtual boundary set around a job site that triggers automatic alerts when workers or equipment enter or leave. Subcontractors use it to verify on-site attendance, automate timekeeping, and support accurate billing. It also helps clients confirm crew deployment without manual check-ins.

Co-Employment

Workforce

A legal situation where both a subcontractor and a client company share employer responsibilities over a worker. This creates liability risks around benefits, termination, and labour standards if boundaries aren't clearly defined. Subcontractors should maintain clear contracts and independent operating practices to avoid unintended co-employment claims.

Colocation

Workforce

When a subcontractor embeds personnel or equipment at a client's site for an extended engagement. This reduces mobilisation costs and improves response time for ongoing work. It is common on large construction or production sites requiring continuous support.

Shoulder Season

Workforce

The transitional period between peak and slow seasons when project volumes drop and scheduling becomes unpredictable. Subcontractors often face reduced call-outs, crew utilisation gaps, and tighter margins during these windows. Common in oilsands and construction work between summer and winter campaigns.

Energy Wheel

Workforce

A visual planning tool showing seasonal cycles of activity across oil & gas and construction sectors. Subcontractors use it to anticipate busy periods, align crew availability, and time equipment investments. It helps field service companies reduce downtime between contracts.

Utilisation

Workforce

The percentage of time your crew or equipment is actively deployed on billable work. Low utilisation means idle resources eating into your margins. Subcontractors track this closely to assess profitability and plan workforce levels.

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