Consistency regarding appropriate attitude, commitment, and performance at work is important in any workplace. A range of disabilities or conditions can impact on consistency at work, including as examples; depression, substance dependency, acquired brain injury, intellectual disability, fluctuating health conditions or those associated with fatigue. Inconsistent work habits can compromise worker efficiency and productivity, as well as affect co-worker morale.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
On the job strategies
There are a number of strategies, aids and support services available to assist in promoting consistent work habits in the workplace.
Learning new tasks:
- demonstrate desired or appropriate work task output
- break down work tasks into small steps and have an example of the finished product displayed for reference
- provide task instructions in a range of formats to accommodate different learning styles i.e. physically demonstrate task, provide written instructions, have task break down in pictorial form as a chart or poster on the wall of the workstation
- establish a buddy system with a co-worker who can support and encourage consistent work habits
Ongoing consistent work performance:
- use written task checklists in which each step has to be ticked off to ensure consistency in method of task completion
- have pin up or white boards in the work area with all relevant work information
- establish clear goals and expectations as setting clear targets helps workers to continue in their efforts to perform well
- offer rewards for achieving goals and good job performance (including financial and other tangible rewards)
- have components or equipment set up for one task at a time to minimise distractions
(Accel Team 2007; Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007).
Support Services
Specialist Disability Employment Network agencies who provide coaching and support on-the-job for those with a disability may also be able to assist with the development of consistent work habits.
Other job requirements and solutions:
Attention and memory
Information ordering
Learning and applying knowledge
Organisation and planning
References:
Accel Team 2007, Employee Motivation: Theory and Practice, Accel Team, Cumbria, viewed 14 September 2007,http://www.accel-team.com/motivation/index.html
Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007, Fatigue and lack of motivation - Fact Sheet, Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc., Brisbane, viewed 14 September 2007, http://braininjury.org.au/portal/content/view/71/256/
Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007, Attention and concentration - Fact Sheet, Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc., Brisbane, viewed 14 September 2007, http://braininjury.org.au/portal/content/view/179/381/