Understanding ADHD at work starts with listening. What does it feel like to be diagnosed after your career is already underway?
Many employees with ADHD engage in “masking” to fit in at work, leading to exhaustion and reduced well-being.Across the lifespan, ADHD diagnoses have been steadily increasing, with a particularly notable rise in diagnoses made during adulthood.
At the same time, we see persistent inequalities in working life. Employment rates for neurodivergent individuals—such as those with ADHD—remain significantly lower than for neurotypical individuals. Even when employed, people with ADHD are often perceived as lower performers and tend to change jobs or One reason may be that the written and unwritten rules of working life have largely been designed with neurotypical norms in mind. As a result, “one-size-fits-all” job descriptions, performance metrics, and expectations may not work for everyone. If organisations are serious about embracingRedesigning work in ways that align with individuals’ strengths has the potential to improve both employee well-being and organisational performance. A crucial first step in this process is listening to and understanding how neurodivergent employees themselves experience the workplace. With this in mind, we conducted a qualitative study exploring the work experiences of individuals diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood—after they had already entered working life. Our findings were recently published in a special issue on neurodiversity inOur analysis revealed three overarching themes that capture how participants make sense of their working lives.As one participant explained: “The biggest barrier to my success is the expectation that things have to be done in a certain way. It prevents you from acting in line with your strengths.” Strikingly, many participants used physical metaphors to describe this experience—such as “having my hands tied behind my back” or “having to work with one hand.” These metaphors vividly convey a sense of constraint and lost potential.The second theme reflects the often invisible labour involved in trying to “fit” into workplace norms—both professionally and socially.“At work, it feels like I am performing. My ‘work self’ is quite different from who I am outside of work.”“You need to find a way of working that suits you but also accept that you cannot work in the same way as others.” While diagnosis helped individuals better understand themselves, it also introduced a new dilemma: whether to disclose their ADHD at work., they were better able to leverage their strengths—such as creativity, adaptability, and innovative problem-solving. In these contexts, neurodiversity became an asset rather than a barrier. Inclusive leadership, therefore, is not just about accommodation—it is about unlocking potential. It enables individuals to express themselves more fully while turning difference into a driver of innovation.We are living in a time when the nature of work—and the rules that govern it—is being actively questioned and reshaped. Conversations around neurodiversity are an important part of this shift. Designing work environments that are responsive to different needs not only benefits neurodivergent individuals; it contributes to a more sustainable and humane working life for everyone. Understanding how different groups experience existing systems is a critical starting point. But genuine inclusion cannot be achieved through a single formula. It requires flexibility, empathy, curiosity, and an ongoing commitment to learning. For work psychologists and organisational practitioners alike, this also means revisiting and rethinking long-standing theoretical models—perhaps beginning with a more nuanced understanding of individual differences, and how we can meaningfully accommodate them in the workplace.Vodden T. & Arman G. ,"When work context limits opportunities for career sustainability: insights from people diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood".There was a problem adding your email address. Please try again., works at the University of the West of England in Bristol as a senior lecturer. She is an industrial/organizational psychologist, career researcher, and coach.Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
10 Insights Into How AI Writing Tools Support Content CreationHave you ever thought about how people are able to write faster, clearer, and more organized content today without feeling stuck or confused? AI writing AI writing tools are now part of daily content work for many people. From students to writers to business teams, these tools are helping make writing smoother and more structured.
Read more »
Enterprise ADHD InstituteEnterprise ADHD Institute is a research platform specialising in ADHD, entrepreneurship, and gender.
Read more »
Drew Barrymore Shares Dating App Insights After Seeking Audience FeedbackDrew Barrymore discusses her experience with dating apps, revealing how audience feedback on her bio led to changes. She also offers advice for others navigating the online dating world, emphasizing the potential pitfalls of declarative statements.
Read more »
Raptors vs. Jazz prediction: NBA Monday night picks, odds, best betsPaying attention to injury reports and understanding depth charts can really benefit an NBA handicapper.
Read more »
Nuggets vs. Suns: Key Player Prop Angles and Betting InsightsExpert analysis of the Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns matchup, identifying key player prop betting opportunities and comparing them against market lines. Includes insights into player performance, defensive strategies, and game pace.
Read more »
Trump's Admiration for Queen Elizabeth II: Insights from Upcoming BookA new book reveals President Donald Trump's admiration for Queen Elizabeth II, focusing on her diplomatic skills and contrasting her approach to leadership with his own. The book, 'The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History,' highlights a moment of self-reflection for Trump, as he grappled with the Queen's ability to maintain a consistent, neutral public persona. Details of their meetings and interactions provide a unique perspective on diplomacy and leadership styles.
Read more »