Is ADHD interfering with your job performance and productivity?
It can be particularly difficult for adults with ADHD to function at their best in high-stress environments, such as their workplace.
A lack of focus, poor attention to detail and instructions, and the tendency to forget deadlines are all challenges that can make work feel like an uphill battle for many ADHDers.
However, people with ADHD can achieve big goals and become successful in their careers. The key is finding workplace accommodations that work for the ADHD brain—not against it.
In this article, we'll explore what reasonable workplace accommodations are and discuss the regulations surrounding them in varying countries. We'll also look at how to ask for ADHD accommodations at work.
What Are 'Reasonable Accommodations' at Work?
Workplace accommodations are changes to a job or a work environment that allow individuals with a condition or disability to perform their essential job duties.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, reasonable workplace accommodations are changes or modifications that do not lead to "undue hardship" to the employer. This means that they are not too extensive or disruptive that they affect how the business runs [1].
An employer will have to provide these reasonable accommodations to their employee or a qualified applicant with a disability. The only exemption is if they prove it causes "undue hardship." [2]
What Accommodations Can I Get for ADHD at Work?
You can get certain ADHD accommodations to help you function at your best while you're at work.
Some examples of ADHD workplace accommodations include the following:
- Using noise-canceling headphones to improve focus
- Having a quiet workspace with minimal distractions
- Using assistive technology, such as organization and time management tools and apps
- Having frequent meetings with the supervisor to discuss progress and expectations
- Having a flexible work schedule and work hours
- Having shorter breaks than one long one
- Receiving written instructions and notes
- Getting access to a career counselor, mental health counselor, or mentor
- Working from home on certain days if there are no suitable in-office accommodations
- Working on one project at a time instead of multiple at once
- Breaking down long meetings into shorter ones
- Being assigned a work buddy to work alongside you, which is a technique called body doubling
- Breaking up big projects into smaller tasks, each with their own deadlines
- Having uninterrupted work time, allowing focused work without interruptions from colleagues
What's considered reasonable can differ on a case-by-case basis. For example, a large company like Google or Microsoft may be able to offer work accommodations that might not be possible for a small family start-up.
Regulations Surrounding Workplace Accommodations for ADHD
Depending on your country, the regulations and legal obligations for workplace accommodations can look different.
Is ADHD a Disability in the U.S.?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a disability is a mental or physical impairment that can substantially limit how you carry out one or more major life activities [3].
Under this act, ADHD can be considered a disability, but only if it's significant enough to affect your daily activities, such as working, sleeping, or thinking.
ADHD typically falls under this because it affects your cognitive thinking and the way your brain works, which may make it difficult for you to focus, remember details, and organize your life.
Of course, you might not be comfortable with labeling your ADHD as a disability, and that's okay. Even then, the ADA still enables you to get certain accommodations at work. This can help you unlock your full potential in your career.
However, if your ADHD affects you minimally, you are unlikely to get similar accommodations, if any, as someone with more severe symptoms.
Plus, according to law, only employers with 15 or more employees are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities [4].
Is ADHD Considered a Disability in the UK, Canada, or Australia?
In the U.K., the Equality Act 2010 requires employees to make adjustments for those with a disability [5].
According to the act, a disability is an impairment with a long-term and substantial effect on the ability of a person to carry out their normal daily activities [5]. Depending on how severe your ADHD is, it may fall under this, allowing you to seek work accommodations from your employer.
The Accessible Canada Act defines a disability as an impairment or functional limitation that prevents a person from participating fully and equally in society [6]. ADHD meets this definition, so adult ADHDers are typically eligible for workplace accommodations.
In most cases, the person will have to present professional documents that clarify the nature and extent of their symptoms [7].
In Australia, ADHD is regarded as a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act. Under this act, employers must consider how the person can be provided with adjustments that help them carry out their work tasks [8].
Examples include providing training sessions, a work mentor, or a support person and modifying the person's office environment and work schedule [8].
Do I Qualify for ADHD Accommodations?
If you have ADHD, you might be able to qualify for certain accommodations. However, this could depend on a few factors, including the following:
- The size of your company: Smaller companies may not have the funding or resources to provide certain accommodations, like a private workspace, to reduce distractions. Companies in the U.S. with less than 15 employees are also not legally obliged to provide accommodations [4].
- Whether you have an official diagnosis: You'll most likely need to present professional documents noting your official diagnosis and condition.
- The severity of your symptoms: If your ADHD symptoms do not substantially affect any major life activity, then you will likely not be qualified to receive accommodations under the U.S. ADA.
If you'd like a better understanding of what accommodations and benefits you may qualify for, you can talk to a healthcare professional to get a formal assessment and diagnosis of your condition.
Should I Disclose my ADHD to My Employer?
To request accommodations, you may have to disclose your condition to your employer. Whether or not you choose to do this is a personal decision.
If your ADHD symptoms are minimal and do not affect your work, you can choose not to disclose your condition. In this case, you can also use different techniques like timeboxing, body doubling, or ADHD management tools to help you manage any symptoms without involving your employer.
Some people may choose not to disclose their ADHD as their company values or resources might not allow any of their accommodation requests to be granted. There could also still be some stigma surrounding ADHD at their workplace.
If you feel you need general accommodations to help you work better, you could consider asking for it without mentioning your ADHD.
For example, let's say you need access to a project management tool to help you track your tasks and deadlines. In this case, you can ask for it as a tool to help you improve your productivity without talking about your symptoms.
How Do I Request ADHD Accommodations?
If you think you need more extensive and specific accommodations to help you fulfill all your job responsibilities, you may consider asking for them and disclosing your ADHD.
Here are some general steps you can follow to ask for workplace adjustments:
- Prepare the general documentation you might need, such as an official diagnosis from your doctor.
- Think about the accommodations that could be helpful for you during your working hours. You may also ask your therapist or healthcare professional for suggestions.
- Schedule a meeting with your manager or supervisor. In this case, you will have to disclose your ADHD and discuss possible accommodations and solutions to implement.
- Your employer might need you to fill in forms or file a written request. You can keep a copy or record of these written requests.
There's no need to feel ashamed when stating your requests and suggesting solutions. In many cases, they're a legal right that employers should provide. These tools and modifications can also be highly beneficial in helping you succeed in your workplace.
What if my Employer Denies my Request?
If your employer denies your request, you can try asking to find out why your requests were denied.
With an explanation, you might be able to change the outcome. For example, your employer might need extra documentation, which you can then provide. Maybe they do not understand how ADHD affects your work, so you could send a more detailed explanation of your symptoms and how certain accommodations may help.
Some companies may have an appeal process for denied requests. You can consult your human resources department or check your employee handbook for more information.
If your appeal or request does not receive any response, consider seeking legal support or help from advocacy agencies. You can use the Job Accommodation Network's directory to search for various advocacy agencies for your state.
If you feel your requests have been unjustifiably denied, the final option is to file a formal complaint with a federal agency. This differs based on your country. In the U.S., your complaint can be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Request Flow Club as ADHD Accommodation
If you're searching for a productivity app or tool to manage your work better, look no further. Flow Club is a body doubling platform that brings together a community of adult ADHDers. Through Flow Club, you can schedule and participate in body doubling group sessions that allow you to virtually work alongside others to keep each other motivated.
The Flow Club program is meticulously designed to help you stay organized, structured, and get the most out of your time. It incorporates widely used and proven methods like time blocking, the Pomodoro technique, body doubling, and pre-scheduling to boost your focus and productivity while you work.
The best news is that your company may be able to fund your Flow Club membership. Some companies offer a coworking or wellness stipend for employees that Flow Club could fall under. Alternatively, you might be able to suggest using Flow Club as an ADHD workplace accommodation that can help you focus and be productive at work.
To check if you can get Flow Club funded by your company, you can email your manager or human resources admin. You can also try Flow Club for free today!
References
[1] Job Accommodations | U.S. Department of Labor. (2019). Department of Labor. https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/disability/jobaccommodations
[2] U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). The ADA: Your Employment Rights as an Individual With a Disability | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/publications/ada-your-employment-rights-individual-disability
[3] ADA. (2022, November 18). Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA.gov. https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/
[4] ADA National Network. (2019). What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? ADA National Network. https://adata.org/learn-about-ada
[5] Gov.UK. (2010). Equality Act 2010. Legislation.Gov.UK. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/6
[6] Government of Canada. (2020, November 5). Summary of the Accessible Canada Act. Canada.ca https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/accessible-canada/act-summary.html
[7] Government of Canada. (2007, August 15). Guide for Assessing Persons with Disabilities - How to determine and implement assessment accommodations - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/services/public-service-hiring-guides/guide-assessing-persons-disabilities/guide-assessing-persons-disabilities/guide-assessing-persons-disabilities-determine-implement-assessment-accommodations-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.html
[8] Australian Human Rights Commission. (1992). Disability discrimination | Australian Human Rights Commission. https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/disability-discrimination
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