Good Systems · public information library

What can I do at work to help someone when it is hard for them to switch from one thing to another?

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

Allow time to switch and a way to save the previous task state.

What this can look like

A priority change can wipe out the context of complex work and make return slower.

Why it can happen

Changing priorities is not free: people need to capture where they were and rebuild context later. Clear change notices and return notes protect quality.

What might help

Give notice, allow a capture note and say when the original work will be picked up again.

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, ask what must be saved before redirecting work.

More info and original sources

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