HR MANAGEMENT - How to Deal With Forgetful Employees

How to Deal With Forgetful Employees

by Lea Winters, Demand Media

Disorganized, forgetful employees cost companies money in lost productivity and revenue. However, forgetful employees might not realize they have this problem, so stepping in can have a positive impact. It is important that managers recognize forgetful employees and remedy the situation before reassignment or termination is necessary.

Step 1

Talk to the forgetful employees. Often, forgetful people are not aware that they have a problem. Sit down with your employees, calmly explain your concerns and allow them time to respond. It is possible that the employees' memory problems are caused by problems outside the workplace. Afterward, work with the forgetful employees on an action plan designed to help them combat their memory issues.

Step 2

Train your employees. Employees do not always have the ability to work on their memory issues without training in alternative methods. Memory training is best provided by professionals with experience workplace memory retention.

Step 3

Equip forgetful employees with various time management aids. Forgetful people benefit immensely from tools that help organize their thoughts and plan their days, including calendars, voice recorders, note pads and smartphones. In addition, timers--either computer-based or stop-watches--help keep employees accountable for their time during the day. Timers also serve as reminders that it is time to move on to the next project.

Step 4

Follow up. Forgetful employees can slip back into old habits if there is not oversight. Keep that from happening by meeting with your forgetful employees at regular intervals to review their successes and challenges. Meetings also serve as a reminder of the right habits forgetful employees need to be successful.