Good Systems · public information library

What can I do at work to help someone when planning feels harder for them than doing the task?

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

Give a short map of the work, not a vague request to “be more organised”.

What this can look like

“Get organised” gives no information about priority, sequence or authority.

Why it can happen

Planning can require someone to hold sequence, priorities and future consequences at once. Clear steps, decision rights and a place to park later work lower avoidable cognitive load.

What might help

Provide a short map: first action, next decision, owner and what can wait.

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, clarify what is first, what can wait and where questions go.

More info and original sources

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