The following information is meant to help facilitate conversation in the workplace and should not be interpreted as legal advice. WPS creates content to inform and help people with ADHD. Take the following article as a starting point to get the help and support you need.
Adults with ADHD often struggle in the workplace due to their unique challenges. Since ADHD manifests differently in each person, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for workplace accommodations. For example, someone in a customer service role may have issues staying organized and remembering client details. Meanwhile, a surgeon with ADHD could struggle with completing essential safety protocols. While the root problems are similar – difficulties with focus, memory, and managing tasks – how ADHD impacts work depends on the individual and their role. That’s why it’s critical for employers to collaborate with employees to pinpoint their particular struggles. Then, reasonable accommodations can be provided, tailored to the person and position. With the right support, those with ADHD can thrive and succeed at work.
If you have ADHD and need support in the workplace, you have legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). First, ADHD is considered a disability under the ADA, since it’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that can substantially limit major life activities.
To receive accommodations, the process typically involves:
- Establishing a record of your impairment. Get documentation of your ADHD diagnosis from a medical professional.
- Making a reasonable accommodation request. You can do this at any time while applying or employed. Explain to your employer the specific work tasks you struggle with and your proposed accommodations.
- Collaborating with your employer on a solution. The goal is to find accommodations that allow you to effectively perform the essential duties of your job. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Remember that under the ADA, you have a right to request reasonable accommodations at work. With the proper support, employees with ADHD can thrive and succeed in their roles.
Employees with disabilities should disclose their condition to their employer when they need accommodations to perform their job duties. The best time to request accommodations is when an aspect of the workplace prevents equal access or achievement due to a disability.
Effective accommodation requests clearly explain:
- The specific workplace barrier the employee faces
- How the barrier relates to the employee’s disability
- A reasonable accommodation that will allow the employee to overcome the barrier
For example, “I have ADHD which makes it difficult for me to remember my key card. Having an extra card would help accommodate my disability.”
Vague or unrelated requests often get denied. Don’t say “I want to come in late because I prefer to sleep in.” This lacks the necessary context about a disability and the need for an accommodation.
When employees disclose their disability and make a reasonable request, employers can provide the support needed for equal employment opportunities.
Reasonable accommodations are modifications to the workplace that allow employees with disabilities to perform their essential job duties. For ADHD, potential reasonable accommodations include:
- Flexible work schedules to accommodate challenges with time management.
- Providing instructions in writing to assist with processing verbal information.
- Allowing regular short breaks to refocus attention.
- Organizing the workspace to limit distractions.
- Offering noise-cancelling headphones to minimize auditory distractions.
- Using charts, color-coding, or other visual aids for complex tasks.
- Frequent feedback to help stay on track with goals.
Accommodations must not fundamentally alter the job or place an undue burden on the employer. Employees should communicate their needs, while employers should be open to discussing solutions. The goal is implementing reasonable support to enable those with ADHD to succeed at work.
Check out askjan.org and chadd.org for more information on workplace accommodations.
Also check out ADHD Essentials: 5 Everyday Items, Daylio Review: Can an App Help?, and ADHD Resources. Lots of ADHD Resources.
