Running Head: ADHD in the Workplace

ADHD in the Workplace Tinesha Gray October 3, 2013 North Carolina Wesleyan College PSY 226 Dr. Wilson

Running Head: ADHD in the Workplace

Understanding ADHD ADHD also known as Attention Deficit disorder is psychiatric disorder that manifest in a pattern of inattentive, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD is a disorder that is usually discovered in childhood but about 50% to 75% experience symptoms as adolescents and adults. About 9 million or 4.4 percent of U.S adults struggle with ADHD. Living with ADHD as a child or adult can effect work performance and social relationships. ADHD has several signs and symptoms that can be mistaken for other issues. Some of these signs and symptoms are failure to give attention to details or making careless mistakes. Messy handwriting and difficulty sustaining attention during tasks may also be some issues that an individual with ADHD can experience. Losing things and forgetfulness are also a symptoms. To an individual who is not familiar with ADHD they may take some of these things offensive when working in the workplace.

ADHD in the Workplace With the economy already at a struggle as far employment is involved it can be even harder for an individual with ADHD. Although several companies are looking for individuals with talent and enthusiasm those two qualities are not nearly enough. Companies and organizations are also looking for individuals who focus in an excellent matter and who pay attention to detail. Companies are also looking for individuals who are organized and work at a fast speed. These may seem to be easy work ethics but for an individual with ADHD this may be very challenging. It has been estimated that around 8 million American adults are dealing with ADHD on a daily basis. About half of the adults who have ADHD are able to continue stable

Running Head: ADHD in the Workplace

employment compared to 72% of adults without ADHD. This is an issue that can be corrected through understanding ADHD and its symptoms.

ADHD Affecting Employment ADHD affects different individuals in different way some individuals may just have trouble staying on task while other may not be able to make it through a workday with having a blow-up. Although having issues with staying on task may cause difficulty in the workplace. Having a blow-up with co-workers and staff may lead to more damaging problems. Such as lose of employment which can lead to bouncing from job to job. Co- workers who are not familiar with ADHD may take the behavior has being rude or mean. These behaviors can lead to issues for the adult with ADHD as well as co-workers. This may result in an unhealthy working environment which may include withdrawal from co-workers or the individual with ADHD may begin to feel worthless and like a failure which leads to depression. ADHD also affects performance on the jobs in several ways. If an individual is having a hard time sitting still and struggles with focusing and organization then meeting deadlines may be hard and meetings can be almost impossible. Studies show that individuals with ADHD have difficulty when it comes to working memory, verbal fluency, and paying attention and these function abilities are very needed in the workplace.

Time Management Time management can be a very difficult task for an individual who is dealing with ADHD. Getting to work on time may be an issue and it can affect the company as a whole. Since working within an organization takes team work one persons procrastination can affect the

Running Head: ADHD in the Workplace

company as a whole. When one person is late within an organization it may cause others to have to do some of their work and that may be real frustrating to the co- workers within the organization. Time management can also affect the way an individual completes assignments. Assignments may be late and have several mistakes when an individual has ADHD in the workplace. There are several things that can done to ensure that time is managed appropriately in the workplace. Time-line charts may be a big help. For example breaking large projects into smaller pieces with sub due dates may help. Also avoiding over-scheduling can be a great help but over-estimating the amount of time that is needed for a meeting or an assignment this will help insure that an individual with ADHD is on time. Since procrastination is a huge part of time management working with a co-worker who manages time well will also be a great help.

Paying Attention Although time management is an issue that a person with ADHD may experience there are several other things that may cause issues in the workplace such a following directions. ADHD makes it hard for individuals to follow instructions and this may be very frustrating for the co-workers but especially the individuals boss. Following directions and listening and paying attention work hand in hand in the workplace. No one wants to have to tell an individual something over and over and many ADHD adults may find themselves terminated over this issue. When an individual has ADHD there memory is affected and that is the cause of directions not being followed. Taking notes may be a helpful task that will help ensure that all directives are followed out. During a meeting taking small notes will help insure that no important information is missed. It may also help to talk to co-workers about what was discussed to make sure that all information is retained. Taking notes will also help limit the amount of outburst that

Running Head: ADHD in the Workplace

occurs during meetings. Outbursts and speaking out of turn is an issue that individuals with ADHD struggle with but by taking notes this will help control them amount of blurt outs. It may also be a great help if relaxations and meditation techniques are practiced. Practicing these techniques will help everyone in the organization.

Anger and Emotions Anger is a huge issue when dealing with ADHD. Anger can come from both sides of the equation when dealing with ADHD. The individual who has ADHD may become anger because they feel like they are useless because of the disability. They may become frustrated by the memory loss or time management issues. They may even go into a state of depression and withdrawal from co-workers for fear that they will not be like because of the issues that may occur in the workplace as a result of the ADHD. Low self-esteem is another result of ADHD the individual may feel as though they are not as good as their peers. Constantly missing deadlines and not being able to complete work on schedule may be very frustrating. Not only can these things be frustrating for the person with ADHD but it will also be frustrating to co-workers. The boss may become upset by tardiness and when deadlines and met late. Outburst during meeting may be frustrating as well because they can be viewed as being disrespectful or rude. Co-workers may become frustrated by taking on extra work because of the issues associated with ADHD.

Conclusion In conclusion ADHD can affect the workplace in several ways. But with team work and treatment an individual with ADHD can have a very promising career. Understanding ADHD will not only help the individual who is struggling with the issue but it will also help the

Running Head: ADHD in the Workplace

co-workers as well. We as people often fear or become upset with what we dont understand. But ADHD is nothing to become afraid of or upset with we are all different in some way. The best way to ensure that everyone is on the same page is to make sure that ADHD does not go untreated and share this information with employer there are special rules and regulations put in place to help individuals with ADHD prosper in life.

Running Head: ADHD in the Workplace

References:
Nadeau PhD, Kathleen G. Adventures in Fast Forward: Life, Love, and Work for the ADD Adult. Brunner-Routledge 1996. National Resource Center on ADHD, Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults. 2003. Sarkis PhD, Stephanie Moulton. 10 Simple Solutions to Adult ADD. New Harbinger Publications 2005.

Low, K. (2009). ADD and Work. Strategies for Success in the Workplace, 2.

http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/adhd-in-the-workplace

Running Head: ADHD in the Workplace

Running Head: ADHD in the Workplace

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