What can I do at work to help someone when simple choices leave them feeling stuck?

Short answer

Reduce choices that do not change the outcome.

What this can look like

A team can spend hours comparing options because nobody knows who has the final say or what trade-off matters most.

Why it can happen

Decision overload often comes from unclear authority, too many options or a fear of making the wrong call. Set criteria, decision rights and a point where the choice closes.

What might help

Set decision owner, criteria and close date at the start. Remove choices that do not change the outcome.

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, tell people which decisions they own and which need escalation.

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.