The ability to maintain newly acquired tasks and/or remember information learned are both necessary requirements in most workplaces across all industries. We can all be forgetful on the job from time to time, especially when we are busy, tired, or preoccupied. However, it can be very stressful for workers who regularly experience difficulty remembering how to complete tasks required of them in the workplace as the result of some form of cognitive impairment such as an intellectual disability, specific learning disability or dementia (for example, Alzheimer’s disease).
It is important to acknowledge and assist those in the workplace who experience learning or memory problems, as this can have ramifications regarding job performance and work safety.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
On the job strategies
While at work a number of strategies can be used to assist workers with remembering how to complete learned tasks. These include:
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break down job tasks into small steps and use visual prompts for each step 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)
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keep any written instructions very brief and straight forward—use simple language, incorporate dots or bullet points whereever possible, use large print and colour code text
- 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.
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foster a healthy lifestyle for workers (for example, be conscious of stress levels in the workplace), encourage physical fitness and if lunches are provided, make healthy foods available
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establish a buddy program with a co-worker to provide extra support (for example, demonstrating and prompting) for workers who experience learning or memory difficulties (Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007).
Aids and products
There are also various aids and products available that can assist those with learning or memory difficulties, such as:
Support
Finally, specialist employment agencies (which provide coaching, mentoring and support on the job) offer a valuable service to those who experience learning difficulties (for example, those with an intellectual disability) in the development and maintenance of work skills.
References and resources
Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007, Memory Problems Fact Sheet
Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc., Brisbane, viewed 13 June 2007, <http://braininjury.org.au/portal/content/view/88/290/>.