Originally published April 5, 2011 in the Baltimore Washington Corridor News
“I just can’t focus at work. It must be my Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.” Many joke about the illness and are not aware that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms are not limited to disorganization. The symptoms of ADHD are much more pervasive and global. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, often unrecognized in adults, can impact self care, interpersonal relationships as well as workplace performance.
So what is the bottom line for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and how does it make its appearance in the workplace? ADHD is a brain disorder. Most symptoms originate in childhood before age seven and continue through adolescence and adulthood. These symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. By the time those with ADD are adults, most have intuitively developed coping mechanisms for their condition.
So what are three common areas of concern with ADHD in the workplace?
1. Productivity – Hours may be spent working on projects without completing any section. ADHD individuals may stare at the computer, unable to focus on details that are boring and of disinterest. The adrenaline surge of an upcoming deadline is the only motivation for project completion. Time is frequently wasted on research if one is not under the stress of a deadline. Complaints of struggling with the project design are common.
2. Supervising Others – Ideally, employees are given opportunities for skill development through participation in new projects. Consideration of a new project by a subordinate can be opening a Pandora’s Box for an individual with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Auditory information delivered in a rambling or slow manner to a supervisor with ADHD can be problematic. Long, boring details can lead to a communication disaster. The person with ADHD may struggle and become easily frustrated in their attempts to listen and remain attentive. Many would reflexively interrupt, change the subject or minimize the verbal dialogue. Then the supervised may feel devalued, unimportant and frustrated. The growing “bad vibes” can easily lead to employee disgruntlement, lack of productivity and, at worst, the need to seek other employment due to perceived lack of opportunity.
3. Project Compliance – Being attentive to specific details of proposals and contracts can be difficult. Consequently, the person with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may create their own intuitive responses and solutions. ADHD individuals may read the proposal but easily miss crucial details required for compliance. Then their written submissions may omit vital sections, not comply with specifications and contain substandard content.
The problems associated with ADHD in the workplace are not just limited to a messy office, paper piles and being notoriously late for appointments. Contrary to popular belief, the illness impacts upon all aspects of working and living. The solutions are complex and must begin with recognition of the complexity of the problem and then be customized to the individual.The problems associated with ADHD in the workplace are not just limited to a messy office, paper piles and being notoriously late for appointments.
Contrary to popular belief, the illness impacts upon all aspects of working and living. The solutions are complex and must begin with recognition of the complexity of the problem and then be customized to the individual.