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What is pool management and how do you use it effectively?

First, let's clear up a misunderstanding. Pool management has nothing to do with a swimming pool. But for the HR employee who implements pool management optimally, it doesn't matter whether the waves are high or not. Pool management is about being able to scale up or down flexibly when necessary. That can be related to seasonal work, but also to suddenly changing economic circumstances. During the COVID-19 pandemic many manufacturing companies faced a sharply changing demand for staff: in some sectors companies were short-handed, while in other sectors other jobs had to be found for employees.

This is what you, as a pool manager, should pay attention to

The main task of a pool manager is assembling a pool that can be deployed flexibly. A pool manager helps a client with assembling a flex pool that fits the plans and ambitions of the company. A pool manager also advises on ways to be adaptable in a changing market.

A good pool manager, for example, ensures that flexible staff in the pool have completed the appropriate training and education, so they can be ready to step in immediately when needed. A pool manager is also a sparring partner who, together with the client, analyzes which ambitions are achievable with the existing pool. In consultation, the pool can be deployed differently, expanded, or scaled down.

Why knowledge of pool management is important

Sometimes there is uncertainty about the meaning of pool management. Pool management is not only about managing a flex pool, but also requires an active role from the pool manager in forecasting labor demand. Not only the number of employees is important, but also the composition of the team. That composition is fluid and must be adjusted to the planning. Sometimes that is a quarterly or annual plan, but it can also be a short-term plan. To be able to make that switch it is important that a pool manager has and maintains oversight of the competencies of the employees in the flex pool. Pool management can be of great significance to a client. A good pool manager is not only exceptionally strong in recruitment and selection, but also has great analytical ability and is able to interpret market developments, and based on that make predictions about new needs on the shop floor.

This is how a good pool manager maintains the flex pool

In times of tightness in the labor market it is difficult to retain flexible employees in the pool. For the pool manager there is therefore an important task in maintaining the network of flexible staff. It is crucial to make them part of the company by making clear how indispensable they are and why they are valued. That appreciation can be expressed in the form of a year‑end gift, offering training and education, and showing flexibility when employees' personal circumstances require it. Flexible employees also need appreciation. For a pool manager it is important to show that you value the flexible workers and that you are aware of what they can do and want. By spending a lot of time and attention in the recruitment and selection phase on mapping out the employee's personality and professionalism, you as a pool manager are able to maintain a good relationship with flexible employees. By making this investment at the start of the process, you save time later on.

Pool management and service offering

A pool manager is primarily concerned with flexible employees, but is also responsible for ensuring that the services offered match the demand for labor. As soon as a client approaches with an assignment, the demand must be met. That means the skills employees possess must be appropriate for the services being requested. Many project managers take a proactive approach when offering services. Based on the qualities of the employees in the pool, they have a very clear picture of which services allow them to differentiate themselves from the competition.