What can I do at work to help someone when they can focus deeply on some things but not others?

Short answer

Different tasks create different conditions for focus; manage the work, not a story about the person.

What this can look like

One person may deliver brilliant analysis in a quiet block and lose time in a day of urgent messages and meetings. That is a work-design clue, not a character judgement.

Why it can happen

Clear purpose, fewer competing demands and useful feedback can make concentration easier. Ask what conditions help the task, without requiring anyone to explain a diagnosis or private circumstance.

What might help

Make priorities and focus time visible for everyone. Ask the team what conditions help the work, without asking anyone to explain private information.

What the research helps explain

Executive-function research describes attention, working memory and flexibility as limited, context-sensitive processes. Australian work guidance recognises that cognitive demands, time pressure, role clarity, support and control can shape whether work is manageable.

What can vary

Do not infer a diagnosis, capability level or private health information from a work pattern. Ask about the task conditions, provide equitable options and handle performance concerns fairly.

For this situation

For you, make the priority and finish line visible before judging attention.

More info and original sources

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

• Executive Functions — Explains attention, working memory and flexibility in goal-directed tasks.
• Job demands — Australian guidance on cognitive demands, role clarity, workload, control and support.