As an ADHD coach, I have the privilege of working with many bright and creative individuals who navigate the workplace with a unique set of challenges and strengths. Recently, one of these individuals, whom I'll refer to as Emma, shared her story with me. With her permission, and while maintaining her anonymity, I’m sharing her experience here to raise awareness and foster understanding about the realities faced by those with ADHD in the workplace.
The Constant Tug-of-War with Expectations
Emma is an experienced professional in a demanding industry, where deadlines are tight, and multitasking is the norm. The hybrid work environment—splitting time between the office and home—has become the new normal. For many, this setup offers flexibility and a better work-life balance, but for Emma, it has also magnified some of the challenges she faces daily.
When Emma is in the office, she finds herself in a constant tug-of-war with distractions. The open-plan workspace, designed to foster collaboration, often feels overwhelming. The steady hum of conversations, the ping of notifications, and the unanticipated interruptions from colleagues can quickly derail her focus. Emma describes the office as a place where her brain is constantly bombarded with stimuli, making it difficult to concentrate on one task at a time.
"One moment, I'm deep into a report, fully in the zone, and then someone taps me on the shoulder with a quick question. It might take me hours to get back to that same level of focus," she confided. This abrupt shift out of what is known as "hyperfocus" can be jarring, leaving her struggling to regain her train of thought.
When working from home, the distractions are different but no less challenging. The relative quiet is a double-edged sword—on good days, it allows Emma to get lost in her work, producing creative and thorough results. However, without the external structure of an office environment, she sometimes struggles to maintain her schedule. Time can slip away unnoticed, or she might jump from task to task without finishing anything, leaving her feeling frustrated and unproductive by the end of the day.
The Challenges of Conforming
Emma’s workplace, like many others, has a set of unwritten rules and expectations. To succeed, employees are expected to operate in a certain way: keep priorities clear, maintain a to-do list, stay organised, and manage time effectively. For someone with ADHD, these expectations can feel like they’re pushing against the very way their brain is wired.
"I've always been someone who cares deeply about my work and my colleagues," Emma shared. "But there are times when I feel like I'm constantly failing at the basics—like knowing which task is most important, or not blurting out in meetings when an idea comes to me. It's like I'm trying to fit a square peg into a round hole."
Emma's natural creativity and enthusiasm often lead her to come up with innovative solutions, but the pressure to conform to traditional organisational methods sometimes stifles this creativity. She finds herself spending an inordinate amount of time trying to stay organised in the way others expect—colour-coded calendars, prioritised task lists, and meeting notes that make sense to everyone but her. This effort to conform can be exhausting, leaving little energy for the work she truly excels at.
Working Against Her Brain
The frustration Emma feels is not just about the specific tasks but about the underlying message she receives: to be successful, she must operate in a way that goes against how her brain naturally functions. This expectation to be neurotypical in a neurodiverse world has led to periods of burnout, The pressure to meet conventional workplace expectations has led to periods of burnout, where the mental and emotional effort required to keep up with her colleagues outweighs the rewards.
"There are days when I wonder why it has to be so hard," Emma admitted. "Why do I have to twist myself into knots just to be 'good enough' when I know I have so much to offer if I could just work in a way that suits me?"
Emma's story is not uncommon. Many adults with ADHD find themselves in work environments where their strengths—creativity, problem-solving, and a passion for their work—are overshadowed by the constant battle to meet expectations that don’t align with how their brain works.
How Employers and Colleagues Can Help
Creating a supportive work environment for employees with ADHD doesn’t mean lowering expectations, but rather, adjusting them to harness their strengths. Here are some ways employers and colleagues can help:
Promote Open Communication: Foster a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their unique experiences and needs. Ask them about what their workday is like and how you can best support them. Each individual has different requirements, and understanding these can lead to more effective collaboration and support.
Provide Flexibility: Allow employees like Emma to structure their workday in a way that suits their natural rhythms. Flexibility in deadlines and work hours can make a significant difference.
Minimise Distractions: In the office, consider providing quieter spaces or noise-cancelling tools for those who need them. When working from home, regular check-ins can help maintain structure without being intrusive.
Respect Hyperfocus: Understand that interrupting someone in a state of hyperfocus can be disruptive. Whenever possible, allow them to complete their task before addressing new questions or issues.
Encourage Different Organisational Styles: Instead of enforcing a one-size-fits-all approach to organisation, encourage employees to find methods that work best for them, whether that’s digital tools, visual reminders, or unconventional workflows.
Value Creativity and Passion: Recognise that the same brain that struggles with routine tasks might also be the one that comes up with the next big idea. Encourage creative thinking and allow for a diversity of approaches in problem-solving.
A Note to Employers and Colleagues
Supporting an employee with ADHD like Emma is not just about accommodation; it’s about recognising and valuing the unique contributions they bring to the team. By allowing them to work with their brain, rather than against it, you’ll not only foster a more inclusive workplace but also tap into a wellspring of creativity, dedication, and innovation that benefits everyone.
Emma's story is a reminder that with understanding and support, neurodiverse individuals can thrive in the workplace, bringing a different perspective that enriches the entire team. It's time to shift the narrative from one of mere accommodation to one of true appreciation and empowerment.
Mirka
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