According to an estimate, about 2.8 percent of adults have ADHD. Many other people in similar situations also struggle on the job. Many of these adults cannot have or hold a full-time job, and when they get a job, they usually get paid less than their peers. Here we have mentioned some useful tips on how to work around ADHD at the workplace. These tips are useful for people with ADHD, and some are useful for people who have colleagues with ADHD.
How ADHD Affects Your Job?
How much ADHD affects your job
depends on how severe your condition is. Some people with ADHD have trouble staying
focused on the assigned tasks, while others cannot complete a workday without
having a huge blow-up with their boss or co-workers. Severely affected
individuals might also lose their jobs.
Tips to Work Around ADHD at
the Workplace
You can succeed at work despite
ADHD by tailoring your workplace environment and ensuring that you take
advantage of your strong points (like your people skills or creative thinking)
while minimizing the harmful impact of your weaknesses. Here are some essential
tips
Ø Ensure you work in a quiet space
that has minimal distractions.
Ø Work alongside a colleague or
manager who is well organized and can help you stay focused and complete the
projects on time.
Ø Take notes at meetings or during phone conversations so
that you can remember what you heard.
Ø Make sure you set realistic goals
for yourself at work so that you don't feel overwhelmed.
Ø Set a specific time for
interruptions like replying to voicemail or emails.
Ø Learn to delegate the task. You
cannot do it all by yourself.
Ø Take scheduled breaks in a day so
that you can relax and come back with a fresh mind.
Ø Try deep breaths and other
meditative exercises if you feel things are getting out of control.
Ø Reward yourself when you complete a
project successfully.
Tips to Work with a Colleague with ADHD
§ If one or more of your colleagues
have ADHD, you need to follow these steps to make things easier.
§ Try not to interrupt the person with
ADHD as it might break their concentration.
§ People who are neurodivergent often
have valid struggles like spacing out, fidgeting, showing up late, etc.
Try not to take them personally.
§ Celebrate every success of a person
with ADHD to keep them motivated.
§ Keep your expectations clear from
day one so that they know what is expected of them.
§ Keep the communication concise so
that they can understand what they need to do and how.
§ If you need to replace the tools or
systems of a person with ADHD, you need to ask them or get their permission
first.
§ To make the workplace enjoyable for
a person with ADHD, simply ask them what they need. People with ADHD are very
clear about what they need and can tell you what exactly you can do for them.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-in-the-workplace
https://www.getinflow.io/post/support-adhd-coworkers
https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-at-work-time-wasters-and-productivity-killers/