Dear Friends,
Some of you already know I have been diagnosed with ADHD a couple of years ago, at the age of 37.
And whilst living with undiagnosed neurodiversity brought many challenges, I wanted to start 2024 by shedding some light on how it sometimes shows up in my work life, both as a superpower and a… well, let’s just say unique quirk.
ADHD UK Reported in October 2023 there are estimated 90,000 adults awaiting NHS assessment.
That means, there could be other colleagues amongst us, who are undiagnosed or not confident to talk about their difficulties.
Today, I want to be transparent about how ADHD sometimes shows up in my work, with the hope of fostering mutual understanding, collaboration and to raise awareness for the benefit of others.
There are many strengths I like to take advantage of:
My brain is a constant generator of ideas. I thrive on brainstorming, finding unconventional solutions, and adapting to fast-paced environments. It can be a problem, when ideas keep on coming, without having enough time or support network to execute them. People with ADHD can often get overwhelmed and may need support to prioritize their tasks.
When engaged, I can laser-focus on projects I am very passionate about. It can be an issue, when I get so hyper focused, I forget to cook dinner for my young son. You will often see or hear my alarms going off, to remind me to pick up my son from school or to go to another meeting.
My enthusiasm can be contagious, motivating others and driving forward momentum. I believe in advocating for what I believe in and inspiring those around me. It’s very beneficial in my role as a project manager. But at times my excitement can impact communication and I let myself talk about certain topics for hours, without letting others contribute.
I could keep on going, because the list of benefits to the neurodiverse brain is quite long!
However, today, I’d like to tell you about some of the challenges.
Executive Function Difficulties:
- Time Management: Meeting deadlines and managing multiple tasks at once can be difficult due to attention difficulties and procrastination tendencies.
- Organization: Organizing workspace, paperwork, and digital files can be overwhelming, leading to clutter and missed information.
- Planning and Prioritization: Setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and planning projects can be challenging, leading to feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.
Focus and Attention:
- Distractions: Internal and external distractions can easily pull focus away from work, impacting productivity and accuracy. Hence why I always struggle with open space offices.
- Hyperfocus: While beneficial for short bursts, hyperfocus can make it difficult to switch tasks, causing neglect of other responsibilities.
- Mind-wandering: Daydreaming and losing track of time can occur frequently, impacting meeting attendance and engagement. Maintaining focus in meetings can be challenging. I’m learning to actively listen, contribute in smaller bursts, and utilise tools like note-taking to stay engaged.
Social Dynamics and Communication:
- Interruptions: Difficulty managing interruptions and staying focused in conversation can lead to misunderstandings and missed information.
- Impulsivity: Saying or doing things without thinking them through can impact professional relationships and create communication challenges.
- Social anxiety: The fear of negative judgement or criticism can make it difficult to participate in meetings, brainstorms, or social interactions.
While I value meaningful connections, superficial chit-chat can feel draining. I’m actively honing my conversational skills and learning the skills of ‘’small talk’’, to avoid coming across as rude and direct.
Social situations can be a mixed bag. While I love connecting with people on deeper levels, anxiety can sometimes make me appear withdrawn. However, I’m pushing my comfort zone, one interaction at a time.
Emotional Regulation and Motivation:
- Frustration and Impatience: Difficulty with setbacks and challenges can lead to frustration and impatience, impacting communication and interpersonal relationships.
- Motivation Fluctuations: Periods of high motivation can be followed by periods of low energy and difficulty starting or completing tasks.
- Emotional Intensity: Strong emotions can be challenging to manage in a professional setting, potentially leading to misunderstandings or conflicts.
- Anxiety: which can be caused by all of the above and I think it deserves a separate blog all together.
My energy levels fluctuate, with some days buzzing with productivity and others requiring strategic downtime. This can be very normal for women with ADHD, which gets really affected by hormonal changes. I’m mastering the art of listening to my body and scheduling tasks accordingly.
While managing ADHD in business comes with its own set of challenges, I remain committed to contributing my best. With your understanding and collaboration, I believe we can achieve amazing things together.
I hope this information provides a helpful starting point for understanding the challenges faced by people with ADHD in the workplace.
Remember, every individual with ADHD experiences these challenges differently. By understanding their unique needs and implementing effective strategies, individuals with ADHD can thrive in the workplace and contribute their valuable skills and talents.
If you’d like to find out how you can support your neurodivergent workforce, please feel free to get in touch.
Hope 2024 will be a year of collaboration for all of us and together we can create an inclusive environment where everyone thrives.
