"Dear Career Coach,
I've been working at my current job for a couple of years now, and here's the thing—I have ADHD, and I haven't told my employer. Sometimes I’m absolutely on fire, and other days, my brain feels like a browser with 50 tabs open and zero progress. I’m afraid telling them will lead to weird looks, or worse, fewer opportunities. How do I bring this up without it becoming a whole 'thing'? Help!
— Torn Between Tabs”
Candid Career Coach Response:
Hey there, Torn Between Tabs, I feel you. Navigating ADHD at work can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope with a hurricane at your back. The truth is, whether your employer knows it or not, ADHD is probably already affecting your work. So let’s tackle this head-on and with confidence.
Recognise the Challenge
First, let’s get something straight: ADHD is not some ‘quirk’ you can wish away, and pretending it’s not there won’t do you or your work any favours. It’s affecting you whether you acknowledge it or not.
The real power move here? Owning it.
Understanding how ADHD impacts your workflow and energy is key to managing it effectively - and letting your employer in on the situation could be the smartest thing you do for your career.
How to Break the News
- Pick Your Moment: Listen, don’t drop this bomb when your boss is knee-deep in quarterly reports or about to rush into a meeting. Find a quiet moment where you can actually have a grown-up conversation without distractions.
- Own Your Truth: Here’s where the brutal truth comes in: Your employer doesn’t need your life story, but they do need to understand how ADHD impacts your work. Be direct. Tell them, “Hey, I’ve got ADHD. Here’s how it sometimes messes with my deadlines or focus, but here’s how we can work through it.”
- Solution, Solution, Solution: Nobody likes hearing problems without a fix. Have a game plan. Tell them what adjustments might help you hit your goals better—flexible hours, tools like Trello or Asana, or maybe some breathing room on deadlines. You’re not looking for a free pass; you’re asking for the tools to succeed.
Practical Workplace Adjustments
Now let’s talk real solutions. You don’t want to just announce you have ADHD and drop the mic. Here’s how to work it like a pro:
- Flexible Scheduling: We all have energy peaks and valleys, but with ADHD, those can be mountains and canyons. Adjust your work hours to ride the productivity wave when you’re on a roll.
- Task Management Tools: You need structure to manage the chaos, so find the tools that work. Whether it’s using Trello to break big projects into bite-sized pieces or Pomodoro timers to keep focus, set yourself up for success.
- Environment Hacks: Noisy office? Get some noise-cancelling headphones. Clutter everywhere? Declutter like your career depends on it (because it kind of does). ADHD feeds on distractions, so starve it.
- Regular Check-ins: This one’s gold. Set up consistent meetings with your manager to touch base on progress. You’ll stay on track, and they’ll feel more secure about your performance.
Fostering an Inclusive Environment
Okay, now let’s flip the script. If you're an employer or co-worker, it’s time to get real about ADHD:
- Education is Key: Ignorance breeds misunderstandings. Offer training on ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions so everyone’s on the same page and can work better together.
- Encourage Openness: Make it okay for employees to talk about their challenges. The more open your workplace is, the less likely people will feel like they need to hide conditions like ADHD.
- Play to Strengths: ADHD people aren’t broken. They’re wired differently, and that can actually be a huge strength. Focus on the high points—creativity, problem-solving, quick thinking—and reward the hell out of it.
Hard Facts: Not Talking About ADHD Isn’t Helping Anyone
Look, you might think not telling your employer is saving you from awkward conversations, but here’s the truth: without the right support, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Your employer can’t help you if they don’t know what’s going on. Rip the band-aid off. Be direct, suggest solutions and watch how much more manageable your workload becomes.
Real-Life Case Study: Navigating ADHD
We recently had a marketing strategist with undiagnosed ADHD. After a few too many missed deadlines and frazzled meetings, they finally decided to have ‘the talk.’ They proposed shifting to flexible hours, started using Notion to organise tasks, and even blocked off time for regular one-on-ones with their team lead. The result? Productivity shot up, stress levels went down, and they went from struggling to thriving. Lesson? Face it head-on, fix it early.
Best of luck!
Yours truly,
The Candid Career Coach
