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ADHD In the workplace

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Updated: Jun 3, 2022


ADHD In the workplace


In the UK, prevalence of ADHD in adults is estimated at 3% to 4%, with a male to female ratio of approximately 3 to 1. [1]

Increasing number of adults are now being diagnosed with ADHD for the first time, having been ‘missed’ when they were younger when the condition was not as well understood as it is now.


What is ADHD?


ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting brain structure and neurotransmission. It has three core symptoms affecting people to different degrees:

  • Inattention

  • Impulsiveness

  • Hyperactivity


Adults with ADHD may have symptoms of restlessness and the need to tap or fidget. Some people are diagnosed without hyperactivity: this is particularly the case for girls and women. Whilst not a core symptom, many people with ADHD have problems with sleep. This can have knock-on consequences for getting up and out to work in the morning.


How is ADHD treated?


ADHD is a lifelong condition and cannot be ‘cured’ – but it can be successfully managed. Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication which must be started and kept under review by a consultant psychiatrist. People with ADHD may also benefit from counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as education about the condition and coaching to help them manage day to day activities. [2]


How can people with ADHD be supported at work?


ADHD, if its impact on the individual is significant, can be seen as a disability under the 2010 Equality Act. Employers have a responsibility to protect employees and potential employees and to make reasonable adjustments to assist them to do their jobs.


The number one way in which employers can support employees with ADHD is to find out about the condition and show understanding and a reasonable degree of flexibility in relation to the difficulties which it can cause. Examples of this might include:


  • Agreeing a 15 minute start and finish time window, rather than a rigid fixed start time with sanctions for being slightly late

  • Allowing the employee to delegate non-core aspects of the job which they find particularly difficult to complete, such as completing paperwork / timesheets – which otherwise might make the whole job unachievable.

Reasonable adjustments which employers might make to help people with ADHD include:


Modifications to the work environment


  • Visual prompts – e.g. wall charts for routines, checklists, post-it notes for reminders

  • Physical reminders – e.g. laying out everything needed for tomorrow at the end of today, labelled ‘homes’ for storing tools

  • Larger computer screens so everything is visible (reduces burden on memory)

  • Visible clocks, allowing / encouraging use of alarms and timers

  • Reducing distractions: – Allow headphones with music or ambient noise, or ear plugs – Own space if possible, with reduced level of distraction


Modifications to working and management practices

  • Offer increased supervision / frequent check-ins and feedback (e.g. daily or weekly planning and progress meetings with line manager)

  • Tasks broken down into clear, bite-size steps

  • Give instructions and meeting notes in writing rather than verbally

  • Operate a buddy system for tasks to help maintain focus

  • Allow regular movement / stretching breaks: – Pomodoro working (25 mins work + 5 mins break, with longer break after 4 Pomodoros)

– Scheduled breaks during long meetings / activities



Accessing coaching


People with ADHD may benefit from sessions with a work coach to help with organisation and time management skills and strategies. Access to Work funding can sometimes be used to fund this (see https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work)


For a list of ADHD trained coaches and other support see: https://aadduk.org/help- support/coaches/





Ensure Health Ltd

Ensure Health Ltd provides rapid access to high quality expert advice and support for businesses across the United Kingdom. You can access and arrange occupational health doctor assessment in 2-3 days.


With headquarters in the Midlands, we work nationwide with access to clinics in Shrewsbury, Telford, Wolverhampton, Birmingham Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Derby, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford, Southampton, Sheffield, Stoke, York and more. We offer rapid high quality occupational health advice.






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