Why do I lose focus in work calls and forget what was said? 

You are in the meeting, your name on the invite, and you are even nodding along, but moments later, you realise you have lost the thread completely. This is a hallmark of ADHD work focus issues, where attention lapses and cognitive distraction quietly derail even the most well-intentioned effort to stay engaged. 

Work calls are a perfect storm for the ADHD brain; long stretches of passive listening, background noise, too many faces on screen, and the constant temptation of multitasking. These factors make it easy to lose focus, and when you do, the meeting memory collapses quickly. You cannot remember what was discussed or what your next step is, and you are not even sure there was one.  

What Causes Focus Drops During Calls? 

Here is why remote or in-person meetings often lead to blank spots: 

Low stimulation and drifting attention:  

Passive listening does not hold attention well in ADHD brains. Taking structured notes or doodling while listening can anchor focus. 

Working memory bottlenecks:  

If too much information comes in too fast, it won’t all stick. Asking for summaries or follow-up notes ensures key points are captured. 

Competing internal dialogue:  

Thoughts about your to-do list, emails, or anxiety about zoning out can hijack attention. Grounding techniques and “mind reset” cues help bring you back mid-call. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations that support focus retention, workplace strategies, and memory tools for professional environments.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Losing track of conversations or tasks.