Out of Sight, Out of Mind: How Object Permanence Affects Neurodivergent Employees in the Workplace

Object permanence—the idea that things continue to exist even when we can't see them—is a concept we typically learn in early childhood. Think of how babies love playing peekaboo because they believe if they can’t see you, you’ve disappeared. As they grow, they realise you’re just behind your hands.

However, for many neurodivergent individuals, object permanence can present challenges that persist into adulthood and affect daily life, particularly in the workplace.

Object Permanence and Neurodiversity

For neurodivergent people, such as those with autism or ADHD, issues with object permanence can take different forms:

• Autism: People on the autism spectrum may have difficulty understanding that people or objects still exist when out of sight, which can create anxiety or stress in social interactions.
• ADHD: For individuals with ADHD, “out of sight, out of mind” can lead to forgetting about tasks, items, or even people when they’re not in front of them. This can affect time management and organisation.
• Executive Function Challenges: Those who struggle with executive functioning may find it harder to keep track of things they don’t see regularly, which can lead to disorganisation and difficulty in planning.

Object Permanence in the Workplace

At work, these challenges can impact productivity and relationships. Some examples include:

• Task Management: Tasks or projects may be forgotten once they’re out of immediate sight, leading to missed deadlines.
• Workspace Organisation: Difficulty keeping track of items may lead to a cluttered, disorganised workspace.
• Relationship Management: Forgetting about colleagues or important interactions can affect communication and teamwork.
• Time Management: Missing deadlines or meetings due to losing track of time can create additional stress.

Case Study: Sarah's Breakthrough with Strategy Coaching

Sarah, a talented marketing executive with ADHD, struggled with managing multiple projects and deadlines. Once a task was out of sight, it often slipped her mind, leading to missed deadlines and frustrations with her team. Her workspace was cluttered, sticky notes were everywhere, but nothing seemed to work.

Through strategy coaching with me, Tamzin Sarah was able to identify and implement simple, effective strategies to address these challenges:

1. Visual Reminders – Sarah started using a digital task management tool, ensuring her tasks and deadlines stayed visible.
2. Regular Check-ins – Weekly check-ins with her manager provided accountability and helped her stay on track with upcoming tasks.
3. Structured Workspace – We reorganised her workspace, making sure everything was visible and easy to find.

These strategies had a profound impact. Sarah's productivity increased, her stress levels dropped, and her relationships with her team improved. She went from feeling overwhelmed to feeling confident in her ability to manage her workload.

5 Key Strategies to Help Employees with Object Permanence Challenges

1. Use Visual Reminders Encourage the use of sticky notes, whiteboards, or apps that keep tasks visible. Visual schedules and task lists can also be helpful in staying organised.
2. Create a Structured Environment A tidy, well-organised workspace makes a big difference. Provide tools like labelled storage bins and desk organisers to help keep everything in its place.
3. Leverage Technology Apps like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Teams can help keep tasks, deadlines, and reminders in front of employees, ensuring important items don’t fall off their radar.
4. Encourage Regular Check-Ins Regular check-ins with managers can provide a chance to review upcoming tasks and discuss any missed items. This also improves communication and helps build relationships.
5. Promote a Supportive Culture Encourage open conversations about neurodiversity. Offering neurodiversity awareness training for staff can help create a more understanding and supportive workplace for everyone.

How Strategy Coaching Can Help You and Your Staff

Regardless of what challenges your neurodivergent staff are facing, strategy coaching with me, Tamzin, can provide the tailored solutions they need. Whether it's managing tasks, improving time management, or building stronger communication, my coaching helps neurodivergent employees thrive and empowers employers to create a supportive, productive environment.

Ready to take the next step? Let’s work together to create strategies that benefit both your staff and your business. Click here to learn more and get started.