Good Systems · public information library

What can I do at work to help someone when everyday things take much more effort now?

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

Reduce demand and remove low-value work before asking people to work harder.

What this can look like

Teams often carry reports, meetings and approvals that do not change a customer or safety outcome.

Why it can happen

Everyday tasks become expensive when workload, decision load and interruption exceed available capacity. Leaders can choose priorities, pause work and improve the system.

What might help

Remove, defer or simplify low-value work before asking for more speed.

What the research helps explain

WHO describes burn-out as an occupational phenomenon linked to chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Australian guidance recognises that workload, control, support and work design affect wellbeing and performance; they are organisational responsibilities as well as individual experiences.

What can vary

Fatigue, cognitive changes and reduced capacity can have many causes. Do not diagnose burnout, depression or illness from work behaviour, or ask employees to disclose private health information to access fair work design.

For this situation

For you, make a visible “not now” list as well as a priority list.

More info and original sources

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