How to Create ADHD-Supportive Workplaces That Benefit All
Plus a new ADHD podcast!
This week I spoke as part of a panel at SXSW and it was amazing! I’d never actually been to SXSW before and had no idea how massive of a conference it was. SXSW basically takes over all of downtown Austin and has some huge speakers like Mark Cuban and Conan O’Brien (who I got to see!).
Our panel was How to Create ADHD-Supportive Workplaces That Benefit All, and we were super honored to be able to bring ADHD-specific programming to the event!
You can actually check out the audio recording here:
Rather than try to summarize the whole thing, I thought I would share some of the quick tips that can benefit both employees with ADHD and managers that are trying to best support their employees with ADHD.
Quick Tips for Managers
Frequent feedback. Don’t wait for a formal review to provide feedback. Regular check-ins can build trust and prevent surprises, and a quick “You’re doing great!” can be powerful.
Distribute important information in writing. Writing details down can help with retention and accommodates different processing styles. It helps everyone to keep details in a place that can easily be re-referenced when needed.
Be flexible with accommodations. Rather than trying to prescribe solutions, be open to trying different approaches. Communicate with your employees and work with them to find what is actually helpful.
Give positive reinforcement. People with ADHD often receive an overwhelming amount of negative feedback, so positive reinforcement often goes a long way in helping them feel supported and appreciated.
Be clear with priorities. People with ADHD can get overwhelmed with shifting demands. Clearly define the top tasks to focus on.
Quick Tips for Employees with ADHD
Use body doubling. Work alongside someone else (either in person or video chat) to help increase your focus with some light accountability.
Build momentum for tackling tasks. Start with smaller, more enjoyable and energizing tasks, then use that momentum to tackle the more difficult or overwhelming projects.
Advocate for your needs. If an accommodation like a quiet workspace or flexible deadlines helps you perform better, don’t hesitate to ask for it. While ADHD accommodations are protected rights in many countries, often you can ask without even needing to talk specifically about your ADHD.
Break projects into starting steps. Rather than breaking out all the tasks of an overwhelming project, figure out just enough to get started (and build momentum!).
Find your community. Connect with other people with ADHD for support, shared understanding, and for sharing tips about what strategies are working.
Stay curious,
Jesse J. Anderson
P.S. Just launched a new podcast this week called ADHD Founders with two of my ADHD friends, Marie Ng of Llama Life and Sharon Pope of Shelpful!
The first episode talks about our “founder” stories and also offer some advice for what to do when seeking your ADHD diagnosis for the first time. It’s a fun blend of surviving business/entrepreneurship and the daily life of living with ADHD!
Check out the episode here:
And you can watch the video version of the show here:
I only just learned about SXSW last night. This makes me wanna attend next year’s even more!!
Great SXSW recap, Jesse!