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 deficiency hyperactivity disorder, acquired brain injury, dementia or intellectual disability, these abilities are often compromised. This can cause people to become easily distracted, confused or frustrated with themselves and ultimately underperform or simply give up (Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007).
There are a number of strategies, aids and support services available to encourage persistence at work.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
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 breakdown)
- provide regular breaks for workers throughout the day and aim to schedule the early part of the day for more demanding tasks. Providing a flexible workplace can assist with this:
- establish a buddy system with a co-worker who can support and encourage persistence regarding task completion
- minimise distrations to 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 (including financial and other tangible rewards) (Accel Team 2007).
Aids and products
Visual performance charts may be a useful in providing a quick and easy means of tracking progress at work. Individuals can see that they are achieving or working towards completing work tasks, which can assist with maintaining focus at work.
There are also various aids and products 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 13 June 2007, http://braininjury.org.au/portal/content/view/47/266/
Accel Team 2007, Employee Motivation: Theory and Practice, Accel Team, Cumbria, viewed 1 July 2007, http://www.accel-team.com/motivation/index.html