Overview
The Ready-to-Resume Plan is a cognitive technique developed by Sophie Leroy and colleagues to help employees disengage from incomplete work when interrupted. This simple intervention significantly reduces attention residue—the persistence of cognitive activity about a previous task even after switching to a new one.
The Problem It Solves
Attention Residue
When we switch between tasks, part of our attention often stays with the prior task instead of fully transferring to the next one. This is particularly problematic when:
- Tasks are left unfinished
- Interruptions occur unexpectedly
- We anticipate time pressure on returning to the original work
Research by Leroy showed that participants who experienced high attention residue demonstrated significant performance decrements on subsequent tasks. The mental resources consumed by the lingering previous task reduce cognitive capacity for current work.
How It Works
The Technique
When interrupted or switching tasks, take a brief moment to:
- Write down where you were in the project
- Document what you had planned to do next
- Note any important context you'll need upon return
- Briefly reflect on your progress and next steps
Time Investment
This process typically takes:
- 1-2 minutes for simple tasks
- 3-5 minutes for complex projects
- Minimal time investment for significant cognitive benefit
Scientific Basis
Research Foundation
Leroy and Glomb's research demonstrated that:
- The simple act of briefly reflecting before switching helps employees cognitively set aside the interrupted task
- Participants who used the Ready-to-Resume Plan showed lower attention residue
- Performance on subsequent tasks improved significantly
- The technique was especially effective when participants anticipated time pressure
Why It Works
The plan works by:
- Externalizing memory: Moving task state from working memory to written record
- Creating closure: Providing psychological completion even for unfinished work
- Reducing anxiety: Eliminating worry about forgetting important details
- Freeing cognitive resources: Allowing full attention on the new task
Implementation
Digital Implementation
- Project management tools: Add a comment with current status
- Note-taking apps: Create quick status notes
- Task managers: Update task descriptions with progress notes
- Code comments: Developers can add "TODO: resume here" comments
Physical Implementation
- Notebook: Dedicate a page to interruption notes
- Sticky notes: Quick status reminders on your desk
- Whiteboard: Project-specific resume plans
- Index cards: Portable resume plan system
Template Example
Project: [Name]
Interrupted at: [Time]
Current state: [What I just completed]
Next steps: [What I was about to do]
Context notes: [Important details to remember]
Resume when: [Estimated return time]
Use Cases
Planned Interruptions
- Scheduled meetings interrupting project work
- Lunch breaks mid-task
- End of workday with ongoing projects
- Switching between client projects
Unplanned Interruptions
- Urgent requests from colleagues
- Emergency situations
- Technical issues requiring immediate attention
- Important phone calls or messages
Context Switching
- Moving between multiple projects
- Transitioning from individual to collaborative work
- Shifting from creative to administrative tasks
- Changing focus between short and long-term priorities
Benefits
Individual Level
- Reduced mental load: Less anxiety about forgetting important details
- Faster task resumption: Clear roadmap for returning to work
- Better focus: Full attention available for new task
- Higher quality work: Reduced errors from distraction
- Lower stress: Confidence that work can be resumed efficiently
Team Level
- Improved collaboration: Teammates can understand project state
- Knowledge sharing: Documentation helps with handoffs
- Continuity: Projects progress smoothly despite interruptions
- Reduced rework: Clear status prevents duplicate efforts
Advanced Applications
Pair Programming
Developers can use Ready-to-Resume Plans when:
- Switching pairs mid-session
- Taking breaks during long programming sessions
- Handing off work to another shift
Deep Work Sessions
Knowledge workers can:
- End deep work sessions with clear resume plans
- Switch between different deep work projects
- Prepare for next day's focus time
Project Management
Managers can:
- Request resume plans from team members during check-ins
- Use plans to understand project status quickly
- Identify blockers from plan contents
Combining with Other Techniques
Time Blocking
Use resume plans when moving between time blocks:
- Document end state of previous block
- Prepare for next block with clear starting point
Pomodoro Technique
- Write resume plans during break periods
- Use plans to maintain context across pomodoros
GTD (Getting Things Done)
- Resume plans complement project planning
- Integrate with weekly review process
- Use as part of task capture system
Common Mistakes
Skipping the Plan
"I'll remember" - Research shows we consistently overestimate our memory
Too Much Detail
The plan should be brief - 1-2 minutes, not comprehensive documentation
No Context Notes
Documenting what to do next without why or how to do it
Ignoring Emotional State
Not noting frustrations, breakthroughs, or uncertainties that affect work
Measuring Effectiveness
Track these metrics to see the impact:
- Time to resume work: How quickly you regain full productivity
- Error rates: Mistakes made after returning to tasks
- Subjective stress: Self-reported anxiety about interruptions
- Task completion: Percentage of interrupted tasks completed successfully
Organizational Adoption
Cultural Integration
- Normalize the practice: Make it standard operating procedure
- Lead by example: Managers should visibly use the technique
- Training: Include in onboarding and productivity workshops
- Tools: Provide templates and tools for easy implementation
Policy Considerations
- Build time for resume plans into meeting schedules
- Respect time needed for proper task transitions
- Include resume planning in project time estimates
- Recognize it as productive work, not overhead
Research References
Based on work by:
- Sophie Leroy (University of Washington Bothell)
- Published in organizational behavior and psychology journals
- Part of broader attention residue research program
Key Takeaway
The Ready-to-Resume Plan is a simple, scientifically-validated technique that takes minutes to implement but provides significant cognitive benefits. By creating a brief written plan before switching tasks, you can dramatically reduce attention residue, improve focus on new tasks, and accelerate productivity when returning to interrupted work.
