Innovative Workplace Strategies for ADHD: Part 2
I’m Carly, the Market Research Lead at LaVant Consulting. I am fiercely passionate about equity, media representation, the arts, policy, workforce development, adventures, and Corgis. As a native Floridian, I have always known and valued my disability identity and many quirks; I recently discovered that some of them come from having ADHD. With my journey, I’ve developed many workplace strategies for ADHD.
As a follow-up to our previous blog on ADHD tips and tools, we find that ADHD might influence a person’s working style in many positive ways, such as added creativity and strategic thinking. On the same token, access needs can be met, accommodated, and supported for success in a variety of ways. Here are a few innovative workplace strategies for ADHD:
Seven Tactics ADHD-ers Can Use at Work
- Chunking.
If you need to tackle larger tasks or manage projects, chunking could be a useful workplace strategy for ADHD. Use chunking by breaking projects down into smaller tasks with staggered deadlines.
- Take breaks from checking emails and other messages.
Don’t let email or texts lead you too often! Some ADHDers might be hyperfocused or overstimulated by a sea of new messages coming in. Try taking breaks from checking emails/messages for when you have more quiet time in your day.
- Don’t be afraid to turn your camera off!
Web meetings without the camera on are often easier for focus.
- Try a screen reader or grammar assistance software for an extra check when writing.
These are tools that help add an extra lens for reviewing your work before sending it.
- Try Body-Doubling for increased accountability.
This is when two or more people work together, in person or virtually, on dedicated tasks – but without sound or chatter.
- Use as many spreadsheets and visual workplans as possible to track projects.
If you forget to update them, try to put a physical reminder on your desk or calendar. Object prominence is a proven commonality with ADHD, meaning we might work better with visible reminders that are in view often.
- Practice patience and self-compassion!
Perfection isn’t anyone’s reality.
ADHD might influence a person’s working style in many positive ways, such as added creativity and strategic thinking. On the same token, access needs can be met, accommodated, and supported for success in a variety of ways.
Tech Apps & Tools for ADHD Success
- ADHD Facebook Groups
- Grammarly
- Calm
- Notion
- Flora
- Everyday
- Sweepy
- Inflow (Free trial, but can be pricey)
Strategies Employers Can Use To Create an ADHD-Friendly Workplace
- Be supportive.
A supportive team or boss can make all the difference in accommodating ADHD. Disclosure and accommodations can be scary or take a while to figure out in a new environment. However, they can help your team perform better and build understanding, especially if ADHD has caused a work issue.
- Avoid shame-based team dynamics.
These can worsen ADHD and anxiety triggers. Ensure your feedback is direct but based in kindness.
- Limit web meetings to 90 minutes.
Everyone learns and absorbs information in a variety of ways. ADHD-ers may process information presented in web meeting more effectively with their camera off. Avoid requiring cameras to stay on throughout the meeting.
- Try using written communication or directions more often.
This can be more efficient for ADHDers and easier on working memory than just verbal cues alone.
- Focus on strengths and creativity.
Some of the many gifts of ADHD are creativity, flexibility, and innovative thinking. Try to maximize strengths that bring out creativity, strategies, and new ideas.
- Avoid assigning too many routine administrative tasks.
These may be less of a good match for an ADHDer.
- Keep the lines of communication open!
An ADHDer can bring your team new skillsets and intelligence – sometimes with a few judgment-free tweaks.
At LaVant Consulting, Inc., we lead with our lived experiences in hand. It shapes the way we work. Want to know me a bit better and hear more about our LaVant Consulting services? Book a Call to shape your equitable workplace for ADHD and beyond.
