Memory difficulties at work can sometimes be misunderstood as carelessness, lack of attention or somebody simply not listening. But remembering instructions, actions, deadlines and multi-step processes can require a huge amount of cognitive effort for some people.
This resource looks at how external memory supports can take some of that pressure away, reducing errors while freeing up attention for the actual work that needs to be done.
That support might be very simple — writing down actions as they are agreed, using reminders and calendars, having visual prompts, following checklists for multi-step tasks or using templates so information doesn't have to be remembered from scratch every time.
I particularly like the reminder to design for reality. There is little value in introducing a system that looks wonderful on paper if the person won't actually see or use it during their working day. Support needs to work for the individual.
And perhaps the most important message:
Memory support isn't “cheating.”
We all use tools to help us remember things. For somebody who experiences memory, processing or executive-function barriers, those external systems may simply be part of making their job accessible and allowing them to work reliably.
The question shouldn't be “Why can't you remember?”
It can be:
“What could we put in place so you don't have to rely on memory alone?”
Maggie
Space to Breathe Therapy
