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Pool Staff Struggle to Find Time for Meaningful Work

  

How much time do pool teams spend on work that directly benefits pool members? According to early findings from our workplace efficiency survey, less than they would like.

Nearly 60 percent of pool staff report they rarely, or only occasionally, have enough time in their day to focus on work that benefits their pool and its members. Instead, they spend an average of 6.5 hours each day managing email, messages and meetings. They also estimate at least 20 percent of that time adds little value to their work.

Survey comments reveal the challenges pool teams experience in their day-to-day work, as well as the impact it has on them:

  • "I feel like I'm not allowed to say no, even if the request seems unnecessary."
  • "Juggling too many things at once makes me less productive."
  • "I just want to stop sinking and be above water."
  • "I feel overwhelmed most days."

AGRiP Executive Director Ann Gergen recently shared themes emerging from the data, along with her recommendations to all pools:

  • Establish clear communication norms for teams. Shared expectations about the use and responses expected in email and messaging platforms, and how to manage meetings, reduce workplace noise and help staff focus on outcomes rather than process.
  • Treat productivity as a skill that must be taught. Staff need guidance and practice to effectively prioritize work, communicate efficiently and use workplace tools in ways that support productivity rather than create additional complexity.

Pools interested in implementing these recommendations can take advantage of our 2026 residency resources, including the free workplace efficiency survey, A Minute to Think online course and the Residency Experience at Staff Institute 2026. 

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https://www.agrip.org/blogs/agrip-news/2026/06/23/pool-staff-overloaded