In the workplace

Factors to consider when deciding to disclose your ADHD in the workplace:

  1. Work accommodations: Some people disclose their diagnosis to obtain reasonable accommodations from their manager that they are not otherwise able to receive.
  2. Performance at work: If your manager is commenting on your attention to detail, distractibility or other struggles related to ADHD, disclosing your ADHD may increase your manager’s understanding.
  3. Timing: You are not obligated to disclose your diagnosis during any part of the hiring process, including when you are applying for a job or during an interview.
  4. Knowledge: You may want to keep the disclose private to your manager, or you may want to also tell your co-workers. Depending on your company’s HR policy, the HR department may also be made aware.

How can ADHD affect people in the workplace?

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty:

  • Multitasking and dealing with distractions
  • Staying focused on one task
  • Making and sticking to a plan
  • Staying organized
  • Handling real or perceived criticism

However, adults with ADHD may have:

  • Enhanced creativity
  • Ability to quickly find unique solutions to difficulty problems
  • Ability to hyperfocus on a specific task
  • Strong ambition to try out new ideas
  • Ability to ‘think outside the box’

Fee For Service

If you would like an ADHD Professional to visit your workplace and discuss ADHD with your employees, please email training@adhdwa.org 

ADHD Coaching

ADHD Coaching can be a useful tool to help manage some difficulties at work.

Find out more about ADHD Coaching

ADHD Australia with assistance of Neurodiversity Media have created these helpful factsheets:

Should I disclose my ADHD to my workplace?

Practical Strategies to thrive at work