Task boards or charts can be used to assist in organising and tracking tasks from start to finish whether it be for daily, weekly or monthly jobs. These can be done on whiteboards, magnetic boards, blackboards or via computer printout and displayed within easy viewing. The charts generally list the overall goal or outcome expected, and then a breakdown of tasks required to achieve the required outcome. The tasks can also be broken down further into outlining the resources and strategies required to complete each section of the task to assist with planning.
As an alternative to a board based chart, computer programs can be set up that have an overall outcome or task goal, with the tasks broken down into how to achieve this goal. For people who work in a computer based role, simple prompts can be programmed in to encourage and prompt the user towards task completion. They can also be programmed to track tasks, determine task progress and allow tracking of performance against goals.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people with disabilities affecting planning, organisation, memory or concentration skills, being able to complete tasks independently within the workplace can be challenging. To minimise the need for ongoing workplace support and potentially increase productivity, job or task charts can be developed and placed at the worker’s workstation and for example can outline:
- individual sequential task steps
- materials and tools required for each step of the task
- any safety considerations or personal protective equipment to be considered
- expected timeframes for completion of individual task components or for total task completion
- staff or supervisors that need to be consulted during the task
- what to do with the product once completed.
If an overall job breakdown is too complex or confusing for a worker, consideration can be given to provision of task component sections being provided for each section.
If an employee has difficulty determining or remembering at what stage they are at with a task, using a checklist style chart can enable them to tick off sections of tasks as they are completed. If based at a computer for work, task management programs can be developed with automatic prompts to encourage task completion.
References
Synapse 2011, Information for Employers – Fact Sheet, Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc., Brisbane, viewed 11 May 2011, http://www.braininjury.org.au/discharge/information-for-employers-fact-sheet
HCi Professional Services (no date specified), Flowcharting, HCi Professional Services Pty Ltd, Sydney, viewed 11 May 2011, http://www.hci.com.au/hcisite2/toolkit/flowchar.htm