Stressed SOC? Data’s your best ally to justify more resources

**Executive Summary:** This guidance describes how to measure and manage SOC analyst workload using the Analyst Gross Utilization Rate (recommended target ~60–75%, example 70%), explains calculations for utilization and headcount based on alert volume and average handling time, and advises using these data-driven metrics to justify additional hires or third-party MDR while warning that sustained high utilization increases burnout and operational risk.