Good Systems · public information library

What can I do at work to help someone when it is hard for them to relax rules they set for themselves?

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

Review rules by the value they create, not by how familiar they are.

What this can look like

A familiar rule can survive long after it stops protecting quality or safety.

Why it can happen

A rule may protect safety or quality, or it may add friction without changing the outcome. Invite people to identify the purpose and a safe exception path.

What might help

Review rules against their purpose and remove unnecessary effort.

What the research helps explain

Research and public guidance describe perfectionism and overcontrol by their impact on finishing, flexibility, relationships and quality of life. In a workplace, clear standards, proportionate quality controls and fair management are useful without deciding whether an employee has OCD, OCPD, anxiety or another experience.

What can vary

The same behaviour can have different meanings in different work contexts. Do not diagnose employees, request private medical information or make support conditional on disclosure. Focus on task demands, impact and a workable agreement.

For this situation

For you, keep essential controls clear and remove low-value process burden.

More info and original sources

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