Good Systems · public information library
What can I do at work to help someone when they forget a task unless they can see it?
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
Make key tasks visible in a shared system, not dependent on memory alone.
What this can look like
When work lives in people’s heads, leave, overload or a handover can make a whole project fragile.
Why it can happen
A reliable board, calendar or handover note protects people when workload is high and staff are away. It improves continuity without targeting an individual.
What might help
Use one shared board or handover note for key tasks, owners and next steps. It is continuity infrastructure, not surveillance.
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, agree one source of truth and keep it easier to use than side messages.
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.