If you’re running a growing business, chances are you’re constantly trying to do more with less. That’s the game — scale without breaking the bank. But there’s something that often gets missed in the day-to-day hustle: underutilisation.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t make headlines. But it quietly chips away at your profits every single month.
Let’s talk about what it looks like, why it happens, and how to fix it.
What Does “Underutilisation” Actually Mean?
In plain English? It’s when your team, your tools, or your systems aren’t being used to their full potential.
You’re paying for time, talent, and tech — but not getting the value you should.
It can show up in a few ways:
- Team members sitting on small workloads for days
- Paying for software your team barely logs into
- Repetitive manual tasks that could be automated
- Meetings that fill the calendar but not your bank account
It’s not about laziness — it’s usually a process or structure problem. But it costs you money either way.
What’s the Cost of Underutilisation?
Let’s be real: it’s expensive.
Imagine you’re paying R30,000/month for someone who’s only delivering real value 60% of the time. That’s around R12,000 in wasted spend — every month. Multiply that across even a small team and the numbers get scary.
Now add in systems that aren’t being used properly (or at all), and that “hidden cost” turns into a major barrier to scale.
Signs It Might Be Happening in Your Business
ou don’t always see underutilisation right away — especially when things feel “busy.” But busy doesn’t mean efficient.
Here are some signs to look out for:
- People waiting for work, or working below their skill level
- Multiple team members involved in every small decision
- Tasks that get repeated because systems don’t talk to each other
- Too many meetings with not enough output
- Paying for tools no one uses
If you’re reading this and nodding, you’re not alone.
Why This Matters for Scaling
You don’t need to double your team to double your output.
You just need to optimise what you’ve already got.
Fixing underutilisation helps you:
- Run leaner
- Grow faster without hiring too quickly
- Improve morale (people love doing meaningful work)
- Make better use of every rand you’re spending
Want to Know Where You’re Leaking Value?
We help businesses spot these gaps and fix them — before they start scaling.
If you suspect underutilisation might be slowing your business down, let’s have a conversation. No fluff, just a clear look at your operations and what can be improved.