Being persistent with tasks in the workplace requires the ability to concentrate and focus attention on the task at hand, remember how to complete the task or simply understand and follow instructions to complete the task. For people with some form of cognitive impairment such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, acquired brain injury, dementia or intellectual disability, these abilities are often compromised. This can cause people to become easily distracted, confused, frustrated with themselves and ultimately potentially underperform or simply give up.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are a number of strategies, aids and support services available to encourage persistence at work:
On the job strategies
- break down job tasks into small steps and use prompts for each step in order to assist workers to refocus and continue with tasks if they forget what comes next, for example, use a pin-up board or white board displaying flow charts, checklists or pictorial task breakdowns
- provide regular breaks for workers throughout the day and aim to schedule the early part of the day for more mentally or physically demanding tasks. The link below can assist with further ideas:
- establish a buddy system with a co-worker who can support and encourage persistence in completing tasks
- minimise distractions to improve concentration and focus by offering workers who can work autonomously the use of private offices or the option of working from home, if practical
- use praise when consistency regarding task completion is demonstrated and offer rewards for good job performance which may include financial and other tangible rewards such as gift vouchers.
Aids and products
Various aids and products are available that can assist in providing a quiet work environment, free from visual distractions which may be helpful in improving the ability of workers to concentrate and persist with tasks. Examples include:
Support services
Specialist employment agencies who provide coaching, mentoring and support on the job offer a valuable service to those who experience difficulties remaining focused and persisting with tasks at work. See Australian Job Search—Search for Disability Employment Network in the Relevant Links section for a list of suitable agencies providing this service. See link below for more information on job coaching or skills training:
Other job requirements or solutions
References
Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007, Attention and Concentration - Fact Sheet, Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc., Brisbane, viewed 1 May 2009, <http://braininjury.org.au/portal/content/view/47/266/>.
Accel Team 2008, Employee Motivation: Theory and Practice, Accel Team, Cumbria, viewed 1 May 2009, http://www.accel-team.com/motivation/index.html.