Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders among adults. ADHD is considered a chronic and debilitating disorder and is known to affect many aspects of life, such as academic and professional achievements. There are three different types of ADHD, namely:

• Predominantly inattentive presentation.
• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation.
• Combined presentation.

In this Pacific Prime article, we will look closely into how to manage employees with ADHD.

How to manage someone with ADHD?

Did you know that the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act 2008 lists ADHD as a cognitive disability, and employers cannot discriminate against employees with ADHD? If you are dealing with employees with ADHD falling short of expectations or aren’t being productive, you might want to tweak their working conditions in order to help them be more successful. Research suggests that people with ADHD are more likely to be unemployed or lose their jobs. Here are some reasons why:

• Take more sick days
• Change jobs often
• Feel disconnected from their job
• Not perform well
• Likely to get involved in workplace accidents or injuries

That being said, it is not always bad to deal with employees with ADHD as there are also advantages to having them on your team.

Advantages of having employees with ADHD

Some ADHD symptoms allow individuals to excel in certain situations at work. According to CHADD, people with ADHD are more likely to be creative and original thinkers and bring new ideas into any setting than adults without ADHD. In addition, people with ADHD are risk-takers and adventure-seekers, which makes them innovative and willing to try things in their jobs that others haven’t been willing to do. Here are some more advantages of working with employees with ADHD:

• They are good in a crisis
• They are spontaneous
• They often bring optimism to the workplace
• They work well with tight deadlines or pressure

How can you help employees with ADHD?

It’s important to note that when dealing with a cognitive disorder like ADHD, there are no one-size-fits-all rules. However, you can start by educating the management team and human resources about ADHD and its impact on someone’s performance. Here are a few ways that can help you manage employees with ADHD and help them reach their potential in the workplace:

1. Get to know your employees better

ADHD symptoms often vary from person to person, and hence, coming up with a solution for everyone in the workspace may not be the best way to help them. So, talk to your employees and brainstorm possible solutions.

2. Assign them to tasks that fit their strengths

According to mental health experts, the biggest help employers can offer employees with ADHD is to work with their symptoms. So, find out more about your employees’ strengths, and assign tasks that align with their strengths and interests.

3. Create an accommodating workspace

People with ADHD can meet workplace demands in an environment that helps them focus, stay on task and be productive. Here are some tips that can help you create the ideal environment for someone with ADHD:

• Cut down distractions by offering quiet rooms, noise-canceling headphones and more.
• Create a daily routine.
• Follow up with them to see if they need more time or help to finish a task.
• Be flexible with their schedule, deadlines or expectations.
• Encourage them to take notes in meetings.
• Create room for employees to stretch, walk and relax.

4. Receive and give feedback

Helping employees with ADHD is not limited to physical and structural workplace changes. As an employer, you should check in with them regularly to know how they are doing. You can also tell them about their progress and whether they are meeting expectations or becoming more productive.

How to help someone with ADHD work from home?

In the present age of work-from-home and remote work culture, helping an employee with ADHD can be challenging. However, some people with ADHD may benefit from working from home. As an employer or manager, you should set up a clear daily routine and ensure that they have a space that is free from any external distractions.

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