A Guide to ADHT in the Workplace

Did you know that it's ADHD awareness month? 

People must understand what ADHT is and how it impacts people and how to support affected friends, family and co-workers. The aim is to raise awareness, remove the stigma and highlight reliable support. Therefore individuals or families with ADHD can thrive. 

At TT Training Academy, we wanted to look at how colleagues can support each other better in the workplace. Hopefully, this article will provide you with valuable information about ADHT. In addition, it will show how you can support someone in the workplace that is affected by ADHT. 

What is ADHD?

It means attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADHD affects how the brain functions, learns and processes information. Furthermore, people with ADHT are also described sometimes as Neurodivergent. Simply put, this means that someone thinks differently than the majority of other people. Several other conditions fall into this category. For instance: 

Dyslexia

Dyspraxia

Autism

Tourette's syndrome

Dyscalculia

According to the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity 1 in 5 people are estimated to be living with one of these conditions.

ADHD Symptoms

Adults with ADHD may suffer from a variety of symptoms in several areas. For example, some of these areas may include: 

Time Management

Memory

Hyperactivity

Distracted

Impulsivity

How Can Symptoms Affect People's Worklife?

The symptoms of ADHT can be difficult to live with. They can find it difficult to complete their duties or tasks in the workplace. In addition, they may struggle with getting their work done effectively. Also, they may have issues with getting on with their co-workers and managers. Below are some ways ADHD can impact someone's work-life:

• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Difficulty in remembering things
• Find it challenging to complete instructions
• Impulsive behaviour
• Issues with time management
• Organisational skills
• Poor listening skills
• Impulsive actions
• Impulsive behaviour
• Difficulty concentrating on repetitive tasks

 How to Support Co-workers with ADHD

Numerous symptoms of ADHT can make someone's time at work very challenging. In addition, mental health risks are increased for someone with ADHD. Most importantly, this is why it is vital to support colleagues who may be struggling. We have put together this Do's and Don't list to understand better ADHD and how you can improve your connection with those people with this condition.   

Dos

Education

Educate yourself on the symptoms and ways people can struggle with ADHT. It can help you understand why colleagues may act differently from you. As a result, you can achieve much better communication. In addition, it will help to minimise the reduce any misunderstanding and miscommunications.

Watch Your Language

People with ADHD can often feel under attack for their behaviour. This is as a result of their symptoms being taken the wrong way. Especially by those people who do not have any understanding of the condition.

As a result, ensure you think about how you communicate, especially with the language you use. It is best to listen intently and use clear communication. 

Ensure you offer your support and let them know you are there if they need someone to talk to. 

Praise the positives

Living with ADHT can be challenging to function in society as a whole. People can often make the mistake of thinking someone is lazy or careless. Firstly, this simply is not true. Secondly, being judged in this way can leave people with a lack of self-esteem and worth. 

If you are consciously aware of using praise for positive qualities and actions, this will help boost their confidence. In addition, it will encourage them to make connections to other people. 

Don'ts

Don't Discriminate or Make Judgements

More than likely, people with ADHD have experienced discrimination, judgements and assumptions throughout their life. Consequently, you can stop this by making sure you do not judge their symptoms, behaviours or actions. Real change occurs when you realise that everyone is unique and has their own unique way of working. Therefore, it is vital to remember that we are all equal and need to be treated equally. So if you are aware that a co-worker has ADHD remember not to treat them any differently. 

Disregard the Condition

Ensure you remain sensitive to how ADHT can impact a colleague's life. Most importantly, unless you are neurodivergent, you will have no idea what life is like to live with this condition. Furthermore, this condition can affect many areas of someone's life, from relationships with other people to mental health at work. The best action you can take is not to disregard it or ignore it but show sensitivity and empathy.

Avoid Blaming

It is so easy to deflect responsibility and point the finger elsewhere, but it benefits no one. Understandably the success of a team is determined by people working together and supporting each other. Remember, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. 

Finally, ensure you don't scold or blame other people's behaviour that you may not understand. Instead, work together to find solutions. Symptoms of ADHD can improve with therapy and medication; however, it is a part of life for those people with a diagnosis. Rather than having a culture of blaming, help co-workers to identify the strengths they bring to the team.