ADHD and Work: 9 Tips for Thriving at the Office

Adults with ADHD are all-too aware of their shortcomings at work and regularly bash themselves for their inconsistent productivity and sinking motivation. But there are many things you can do to thrive at the office. For starters, it’s important to recognize that all workers struggle. “It would be a mistake to assume that non-ADHD or neurotypical workers do not struggle with some of the very same ebbs and flows of productivity, focus, and prioritization difficulties,” said Aaron D. Smith, MS, LMSW, ACC, a certified ADHD coach who helps individuals with ADHD and executive functioning challenges to bridge the gap between their current performance and their potential. “The difference for ADHDers is that these issues pose a more significant challenge due to the degree of severity in which the symptoms manifest.” It’s also important to recognize that workplaces are responsible, too. Ironically, many workplaces aren’t optimized for working. As Smith noted, many are noisy and commotion-filled, and have insufficient training and internal processes. So what can you do? The key is to focus on your strengths and to mitigate your challenges, said Smith, founder of Potential Within Reach. You can start by finding the right job for you (if possible). “A lot of challenges can be avoided if the job is right for how your brain works,” said Linda Swanson, MA, PCC, PCAC, an ADHD coach who specializes in working with adults and college students with ADHD. To help you figure th...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Attention Deficit Disorder Career Disorders General Motivation and Inspiration Self-Help Work Issues ADHD and productivity ADHD and work ADHD challenges ADHD self-help ADHD tips Source Type: news