Defining, Identifying and Reducing Cognitive Overload
Cognitive overload (defined as Job Burnout by the World Health Organisation) is when an individual receives too much information or too many tasks to effectively take everything on board to progress in their role. This overload or burden has proven to be a huge challenge for many during the COVID 19 pandemic.
In an environment of constant change and uncertainty, it is important to identify, understand and support those who are showing signs that concern you; to know how to provide the support they need. The Oakridge Centre's tailor-made Managing Cognitive Overlead programmes will provide all 'people managers' with guidance to help define, identify and help reduce cognitive overload. The programmes highlight understanding and managing issues of employee self-wellbeing and signs of their decreased performance levels at work.
These programmes are bespokely designed for each organisation and for a variety of different groups such as leaders, senior managers, line managers and team leaders. It is crucial that leaders are also aware of their own challenges in relation to cognitive overload as when cognitively overloaded leaders cannot listen effectively.
Organisational Value
- Develop the ability of people managers to identify cognitive overload quickly to reduce ill-health and work absences
- Ensure your organisation is proactively managing cognitive overload awareness and providing solutions to those who are cognitively overloaded
- Raising the awareness of cognitive overload across your organisation so that is recognised and managed effectively
- Defining policy and procedures statements to manage employee cognitive overload
- Treat cognitive overload / job burnout as seriously as mental health awareness and mental health first aid
Personal Value
- Develop a clear understanding of how to identify the signs of cognitive overload
- Be able to recognise the barriers to offering support
- Build your own self-confidence to manage the issues surrounding cognitive overload – including how to report to the board and stakeholders on behalf of your team/s
- Learn how to set an action plan to formulate the next steps to support employees through their needs
- Recognise the signs of cognitive overload in yourself
- Develop task management, time management, prioritisation and feedback skills to share with your team(s)