For many companies, cost optimization is the main tool for maintaining operational efficiency. At the same time, a significant part of the expenses is taken up by the costs of auxiliary processes, which are formed primarily by the costs of paying auxiliary workers. Modern conditions require, on the one hand, the optimization of this category of expenses and, on the other hand, the maintenance and increase of work motivation, which can be done by improving the system of work rationing, including methods of monitoring working time and determining standards, algorithms for calculating standards and regulatory management, and on its basis the implementation of a transparent system of work incentives. On the basis of the conducted theoretical and applied analysis, the authors proposed a model of labor rationing of employees of the editorial and publishing department of a higher educational institution. The proposed model is based on an integrated approach that takes into account the specifics of the creative nature of work, the need for a combination of standard and individual standards, as well as the need for flexible adaptation of the system to changing operating conditions.