What can I do at work to help someone when they think best at a different time of day?

Short answer

Where timing is flexible, design around outcomes and reliable coordination rather than one “normal” concentration window.

What this can look like

Some roles need shared hours, while deep work may be strongest at different times for different people.

Why it can happen

Energy, caring, commute and task type can affect when people do focused work best. Consistent expectations and clear overlap times matter more than presenteeism.

What might help

Set reliable overlap and response expectations, then give flexibility around focused work where the role allows it.

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, protect shared collaboration hours and allow focused work to happen where it is most workable.

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.