Good Systems · public information library
What can I do at work to help someone when they keep going for ages and then suddenly have no energy left?
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
Notice sustained effort and recovery, not only visible output.
What this can look like
A team may keep hitting targets by borrowing from quality, handovers, learning time or people’s recovery.
Why it can happen
Someone can keep delivering while their work system becomes fragile. Workload reviews should include interruptions, rework, handovers and recovery needs—not only completed tasks.
What might help
Review workload beyond output: rework, interruptions, overtime, unclear priorities and the recovery required to sustain the pace.
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 capacity conversations ordinary and safe before a crisis happens.
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.