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Michael Saltzstein Explains How Cognitive Load and Decision Fatigue Hurt Workplace Productivity

 


Michael Saltzstein on Cognitive Overload at Work Can Lead to Decision Fatigue



Modern workplaces are filled with tasks, notifications and decisions that demand constant attention. While this environment may seem like a mark of efficiency, Michael Saltzstein mentions that it often masks a hidden cost: cognitive load and decision fatigue. These two psychological phenomena can silently erode productivity, well-being, and the ability to make sound choices throughout the workday. 

 

Cognitive load refers to the mental effort required to process information and complete tasks. When this load becomes excessive, it overwhelms an employee’s ability to think clearly and retain important details. Combine this with the endless decisions many workers must make each day, from responding to emails to prioritizing meetings, and you have a recipe for burnout and poor judgment. 

 

Decision Fatigue Builds Quietly 

The average adult makes thousands of decisions daily, both trivial and complex. In the workplace, these accumulate rapidly: choosing how to respond to a message, deciding which task to do first or selecting the right wording for a report. Over time, each choice chips away at mental reserves, leading to decision fatigue. 

 

Decision fatigue doesn’t necessarily look like collapse. It often manifests in less noticeable ways, such as avoiding responsibility, procrastinating, or choosing the easiest solution rather than the best one. Employees experiencing decision fatigue may take fewer creative risks or default to familiar routines, limiting innovation. 

 

The Cost of Focus and Productivity 

When the mind is saturated, focus suffers. Multitasking only exacerbates the issue, increasing error rates and reducing the quality of work. Employees under high cognitive load often report feeling constantly busy but rarely productive. This illusion of busyness creates a cycle where time is spent reacting rather than thinking strategically. 

 

Organizations that don’t recognize these patterns may mistake fatigue for underperformance. Rather than pushing for longer hours or tighter deadlines, leaders need to examine how workplace design can either contribute to or relieve mental overload. 

 

Mitigating Cognitive Load in the Workplace 

There are several ways employers can reduce unnecessary cognitive load and help prevent decision fatigue: 

 

  • Streamline workflows: Simplify routine processes with templates, automation, or delegation to free up mental bandwidth. 

 

  • Encourage prioritization: Help teams focus on high-impact tasks by clarifying goals and expectations. 

 

  • Limit context switching: This will reduce the need for frequent task changes, which interrupt flow and add to mental strain. 

 

  • Provide decision frameworks: Offer structured guidelines for recurring choices so employees don’t have to start from scratch each time. 

 

Creating space for recovery is equally important. Breaks, quiet zones, and flexible schedules give the brain a chance to reset, improving performance and creativity when employees return to their work. 

 

A Smarter Approach to Mental Sustainability 

The future of work isn’t just about being faster; it’s about being smarter. Acknowledging the hidden mental costs of modern work is the first step toward building a more thoughtful and effective workplace. By designing systems that support focus and reduce unnecessary complexity, companies can protect their most valuable asset: their people. 


Organizations that reduce decision fatigue and manage cognitive load well don’t just see better results; they cultivate environments where thoughtful work thrives. Michael Saltzstein reminds us that investing in mental sustainability isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity in today’s knowledge-driven economy.

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