What can I do at work to help someone when they are late even when they really try not to be?

Short answer

Build buffer and clear handovers into schedules.

What this can look like

A schedule may look feasible until travel, review, approvals and interruptions are included.

Why it can happen

Lateness can be affected by time estimates, transitions, equipment, travel and competing tasks. A fair team system plans for real conditions rather than moralising punctuality.

What might help

Add buffer at handovers and test the plan against the real work, not ideal conditions.

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, distinguish an isolated issue from a system that routinely creates impossible transitions.

More info and original sources

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

• Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD — Australian evidence guidance on ADHD, assessment, functional impact and support.
• Job demands — Australian guidance on managing cognitive demands, role clarity, workload, control and support.