Persisting with tasks—social and behavioural skills

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
understand and follow instructions to complete the task
have sufficient physical stamina to complete the task

For people with some form of cognitive impairment, intellectual or physical disability these abilities are often compromised. This can cause people to become easily distracted, confused, physically fatigued or frustrated with themselves, causing them to under perform or simply give up (Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007).

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 to allow individuals to achieve small goals, building up to task completion
use verbal, visual or pictorial prompts for each task step in order to assist workers to refocus and persist with tasks if they forget what comes next (e.g. 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 —see how to provide a flexible workplace for more information
establish a buddy system with a co-worker who can support and encourage persistence regarding task completion
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
use praise for persistence in task completion when demonstrated and offer rewards for good job performance (including financial and other tangible rewards)
consider work simplification and joint preservation techniques as a means of energy conservation
adjust office based work station or other workstations appropriately to conserve energy and make tasks physically easier to undertake.

Aids and products

A comprehensive workplace assessment from an occupational therapist, physical and mobility specialist or general assessor may assist in identifying modifications and strategies to allow people to reduce physical strain, conserve energy and persist at tasks through to completion.

Some workers may require disability specific equipment within the workplace as a means of conserving energy and allowing them to persist with tasks. Workers with disabilities requiring equipment or workstation changes specific to their disability may be eligible to apply for assistance through the Employment Assistance Fund. Click on the link below to find out more about the Employment Assistance Fund:

Employment Assistance Fund

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 disability employment services agencies who provide coaching and support on-the-job for those with a disability may also be able to assist people with support and strategies to develop persistent work habits (Better Health Channel 2007; Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007; Accel Team 2007):

Disability Employment Services

Would you like more information?

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