?? ADHD accommodations at work: what every employer must know

Hey there! ??

If your workplace isn't yet discussing and normalizing the diversity of work styles and needs...it's high time to start.

Employees with ADHD often approach work creatively, think outside the box, and bring unique talents. But without the proper support, their challenges can limit their incredible potential.

People with ADHD face unique challenges that may impact their performance and well-being at work.

With understanding and support from employers, simple reasonable accommodations can make a world of difference.

We talked with Teliesha. Sharee , Behavior Therapist, Child and Teen Neurodiversity Educator, about:

• Common challenges employees with ADHD encounter
• Examples of reasonable accommodations that can set up employees and employers for success

Challenges faced by employees with ADHD

• Difficulties with focus – employees with ADHD often have trouble sustaining attention on tasks, getting easily distracted by noises, conversations, or their own thoughts.
• Time management and prioritization – it can be hard to accurately judge time or set priorities. Employees may struggle with procrastination, underestimating how long tasks will take, or determining what's most important.
• Organization – keeping work organized may be enormously difficult, from tracking papers to managing digital files.
• Distraction sensitivity – with ADHD comes a heightened sensitivity to auditory, visual, and mental stimuli. Open office environments can be overstimulating and make it hard to filter out distractions.
• ADHD paralysis – employees may freeze up when faced with boring tasks or too many decisions, unable to initiate action.
• Hyperfocusing – they may get absorbed in low-priority tasks, losing track of time and neglecting more urgent projects.
• Heightened stress responses – fast-paced work under tight deadlines can overtax ADHD brains and trigger strong stress reactions that further affect performance.
• Increased fatigue – the extra effort to manage symptoms burns mental energy faster. This causes employees to tire more easily. But pushing through leads to exhaustion.
• Difficulty remembering verbal instructions – employees can struggle to recall multi-step directions, long lists of tasks, or complex information presented only verbally.

?? Awareness of these challenges is the first step in creating an accommodating and supportive work environment. – Teliesha Sharee

It's important (!) to help your employees thrive

Though employees with ADHD may experience some challenges, they often thrive when given opportunities to take initiative and drive progress through passion projects.

When properly supported, their out-of-the-box thinking, creativity, hyperfocus abilities, and energetic personalities are invaluable assets to teams and companies.

And by granting flexibility in how they complete their work, managers allow them to maximize strengths while minimizing challenges.

Moreover, workplaces must support diversity in work styles and needs.

?? It’s essential for employers to be aware of legal considerations surrounding ADHD in the workplace. Discrimination based on ADHD is prohibited. So, understanding these legal aspects is crucial to maintaining a fair and inclusive work environment. – Teliesha. Sharee

So, what are reasonable accommodations?

These are any changes or adjustments to the workplace that help an employee do their job effectively.

With reasonable accommodations, both employees and employers mutually benefit.

These don't have to be complicated or expensive modifications. Often small tweaks to existing workplace elements can make a big difference.

But the accommodation needs to be tailored to each employee.

An open dialogue between employer and employee determines the most reasonable accommodations customized to the employee's needs and the company's capabilities.

10 examples of ADHD accommodations in the workplace

1. A flexible work schedule and location

Having flexibility on employees' start and end times and the ability to work remotely would allow them to maximize their productive hours when they have the most mental clarity and energy.

Pushing through when exhausted can lead to burnout.

?? Allowing flexibility in work hours or remote work options can empower employees to structure their day in a way that best suits their focus patterns. – Teliesha Sharee

2. Access to an isolated workspace

Having a quiet room or solitary space an employee could retreat to when needing no disruptions is invaluable.

Open office environments can overflow working memory.

3. Task management apps

Digital tools like Todoist, Asana, Notion, Trello, or some other Kanban-style boards can help them visualize workflow and track multiple projects.

4. Short-term goal-setting assistance

Managers can proactively work with employees to chunk large projects into smaller, mini-goals with daily and weekly milestones.

Short-term goal achievement helps motivate and boost progress.

5. Quick, regular progress check-ins

Managers can set up routine meetings to discuss upcoming deadlines, break initiatives into mini-milestones, review challenges an employee is facing, and provide guidance.

Short collaborative meetings can head off big issues down the road through early intervention and brainstorming tips to try.

6. Breaks and downtime

This might include short walks, relaxation areas, or simple physical activities.

?? Encouraging regular breaks can help employees with ADHD recharge and return to their tasks with improved focus. – Teliesha Sharee

7. Time-blocking for tasks

Constant or irregular meetings can be very distracting for anyone.

Advice allocating specific time blocks for focused work without meetings. This can help in managing workload and reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Or, encourage alternative ways for updates instead of meetings for minor or less urgent matters.

8. Permission for background music

Certain minimal ambient or orchestral sounds can help zone in. They act as white noise while also keeping necessary auditory parts of the brain engaged.

?? Allowing employees the option to use headphones or play music at their desks can be beneficial. Some find concentration in sounds like rain, ASMR, or similar soothing tones. – Teliesha Sharee

9. Workplace mentoring or coaching

For employees with ADHD, this can be a game-changer.

It provides them with a dedicated resource to help navigate workplace challenges, improve organizational skills, and develop strategies for managing their symptoms in a professional setting.

Also, mentors can guide employees in understanding their strengths and how to use them.

???? By the way, if you're looking to support your employees' unique well-being needs , at Calmerry, we have licensed, experienced coaches. They're ready to provide individual guidance to help each team member thrive. ????

10. Provide support to mental health services

Investing in mental health services yields long-term benefits for both individuals and the company.

The right, individualized support from mental health professionals can be crucial for tapping into the full potential of employees. Especially when challenges feel overwhelming.

And this enriches the overall workplace dynamic, where diverse talents are recognized and nurtured.

?? Mental health challenges, if unaddressed, can lead to decreased performance, higher absenteeism, and lower job satisfaction. By investing in mental health resources, companies can demonstrate a commitment to their employees’ overall health and inclusion. – Teliesha Sharee

Let's talk about your and your teams' needs

At Calmerry, we love to partner with companies that take care of the heart of their organizations – their teams!

We understand that each employee's mental health journey is personal. And that's why we offer tailored support to fit unique needs and outcomes.

Our network of 1,000+ experienced mental health professionals is ready to provide individual therapy, counseling, or coaching – the personalized support your employees need to thrive.

Check out how to easily start with us and what comprehensive tools your team gets. ??

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