[clearly stated] ADHD Accommodations in the Workplace

Last week, I wrote about protecting your career by knowing your rights with ADHD.

Today, you'll find out exactly what to request at work aka reasonable accommodations.

The ADA defines this as:

Under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done during the hiring process.

I like to think of accommodations like playing with LEGOs:

• you have an idea of what you're buying
• it comes with all these pieces [most of the time]
• you're surprised that the instructions aren't that helpful

And it's that last bullet point that reminds me of workplace accommodation with ADHD.

As talented, creative, and able as I am, why can't I [for the life of me] put together what appears to be a simple LEGO set?

Let me get personal, here's my thinking when building LEGO:

1. I open the box with intense excitement.
2. Toss the instructions aside (who needs that?)
3. Open all the plastic bags of LEGO in dramatic fashion.
4. Think, "I could make something better without instruction."
5. Overwhelm settles in because of all the little pieces in my vision.
6. A part of me wants to quit while the other part feels ashamed already.

You can already see where this is going, and clearly, I need some support.

Why?

Because I want to enjoy playing with LEGO - I love it! [when it's framed for me correctly]

And sometimes you need to modify a few things before that magic happens.

Your career is the same.

Seriously, CEOs wonder why their most creative people leave their jobs:

Now I'm going to skip the politics, what you've probably experienced at work, etc., and jump straight to clearly stated accommodations you can attempt to request in the workplace.

1. Because this newsletter is way too long already (even for me, sorry)
2. I'll save the politics, negative experiences, etc., for another post later on

[P.S. make sure you read the In Closing area at the bottom with your next steps to make this a reality]

Drumroll please, here's my list for you.

↓

List of Accommodations for ADHD

Here's a quick dirty list of reasonable accommodations to consider for you in your career:

• Accessible computer software
• Providing screen reading software
• Noise-canceling headphones usage
• Adjusting work schedules based on needs
• Providing structured breaks + physical activity
• Access to an ADHD coach to teach/ reinforce skills
• Allowance to work from home for productivity purposes
• Spend time going over the conduct policy [so it's understood]
• Multiple formats for meetings: text, video, in-person, etc.
• Dedicated days for single tasks based on larger projects
• Access to use assistance technology (timers, apps, etc.)
• Allowance to use visible reminders in physical spaces
• Access to EAP services for ADHD and mental health
• A clear reason why management asks you to meet
• Ongoing meetings to discuss work expectations
• Allowance for multiple breaks during meetings
• Discussion of providing supportive to-do lists
• Providing employees with private workspace
• Uninterrupted protected work time slots
• Guidance with prioritization practices
• Access to white noise machines
• Providing written instructions
• Access to an onsite mentor
• Taking as allotted breaks
• Standing desks
• (comment below what you think is missing)

In Closing [your next steps]

1. Gather up which accommodations you think will support you.
2. Set up a meeting with HR to discuss your needs.
3. Document all the results of the meeting.
4. Plan follow-up meetings (if needed)

Bear in mind that you may be denied your original request.

You may be asked to provide "documentation" aka a letter from a professional.

You may be asked "why" you need these accommodations to begin with.

You may be asked to "try harder" which isn't uncommon.

All I encourage you to do is to go at the pace you're comfortable with because many professionals with ADHD do not feel safe having a meeting with their HR (or supervisor) - and I get it.

And a lot of these changes are more likely to happen when you take a new uncomfortable step, when you find a job that does support you, when accommodation support spreads further than requiring someone to disclose they have a diagnosis, or something else I suppose.

So go at your pace - not at a pace anyone else tells you to.

I'm truly wishing you well as you try to modify these important aspects of your career.

(whenever I feel extra stuck with my ADHD [which is often] - I try to remember how even with LEGO I need support so that I can be as successful as I can)

So please, don't count yourself out just because you need accommodations to support your success in the workplace.

And if you need a jump start on your ADHD journey, stay connected with me.

I've got a library of resources just for you.

Don't like reading? Here's my TikTok.

Need longer form content with details? Here's my YouTube.