The average manager now carries 12.1 direct reports — up from 8.2 a decade ago. Put in your numbers and see where your managers sit, and how many 1:1 hours a week that quietly costs them.
Average span of control = people who report to a manager ÷ number of managers. We flag it against two reference points: the 6–8 reports older management research links to the best effectiveness, and Gallup's 2025 figure of 12.1 direct reports on average (up from 8.2 in 2013). Healthy is 8 or fewer, stretched is 9–12, overloaded is past Gallup's average. The 1:1 load is your span × the weekly minutes you set — a floor, since it ignores prep, feedback, admin and coaching.