How much time do pool 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: