Good Systems · public information library

What can I do at work to help someone when they make quick choices and regret them later?

People come here to understand why something in everyday life feels harder, different or more costly than it should — and what might make it work better.

Short answer

Add decision pauses for high-stakes choices and make the rule universal.

What this can look like

A high-stakes decision made instantly can create avoidable rework or risk.

Why it can happen

A draft-not-send step, second review or spending threshold can protect quality without singling out a person. Fast decisions can be valuable when the risk is low.

What might help

Use a universal pause rule for defined decisions: draft, second view or overnight hold.

What the research helps explain

Australian ADHD guidance and international consensus evidence describe ADHD as affecting everyday functioning for some people, including attention, planning, memory, time and follow-through. At work, practical supports and fair design can be useful without identifying anyone as having ADHD.

What can vary

Stress, sleep, health, task design, role clarity and preference can create similar work patterns. Do not diagnose employees, seek private medical information or make support conditional on disclosure.

For this situation

For you, decide in advance which decisions need a pause and which do not.

More info and original sources

Poko summarises the relevance of public original sources and links out for anyone who wants to read more.