Working in a busy professional environment can be challenging but can take an even more significant toll on those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For individuals with this condition, it is essential to understand and recognize the symptoms of ADHD and learn techniques and strategies to help them cope in the workplace. It is also necessary to inform their supervisors or bosses about their condition so that they can provide the required support and aid.

ADHD symptoms and what you and others can do about them

We may associate ADHD with children, but it can also affect adults. While not fatal, ADHD can be debilitating and affect one's success. Therefore, adult ADHD is something that everybody, including the one with the condition, should take seriously, as it can affect one's job performance and progress in life. For a start, the one with ADHD should be aware of his condition and see if it affects his workplace conduct. If it does, one can do something about it and employ various coping measures to adjust. If it is getting too much, one can also tell the condition to supervisors and bosses, so they can do something about the concerned individual and make special arrangements in the workplace. Such matters must be addressed, as ADHD affects not only the individual with it but also the people around him if workplace relationships and responsibilities start to be compromised.

If you notice yourself or someone doing any of the following behaviors, it can be a sign that you or someone may have ADHD. If in doubt, you can always check with a medical professional to see if you have ADHD, and if you do, corrective measures can be taken to help you work at an optimum level and keep up with everybody else.

1. Inability to focus

When somebody has ADHD, keeping your concentration on something can be challenging. One can easily get distracted by anything, such as the chatter of coworkers, noise coming from the outside, a notification from a program, or the ringing of the telephone. Boredom may also set in, or one's mind may fly thinking about something unrelated to the task.

It can be expected for people to get distracted and have problems staying focused on their job sometimes; however, it's even more of a challenge for someone with ADHD to stay focused. Special arrangements and measures can be made, such as having the individual with ADHD work in a quieter space. As for the concerned individual, it can be good to use earphones or headphones and listen to some music if noise is a significant distraction. Multitasking is likely a no-go; focusing on a single task and getting it done before doing another will be better. Taking notes now and then can also help one remember details and steps needed for work.

2. Boredom and procrastination

People with ADHD are more prone to feeling bored with what they do due to the need for stimulation. As a result, their work may not look attractive, so they may drop what they are doing, leading to procrastination and missed deadlines. In the long term, this may lead to frequent job changes because the individual cannot find a job that gives the stimulation and motivation they want. Job stability can then become an issue if such a thing happens.

Specific measures can be taken to combat boredom for people with ADHD. For example, it will be good for supervisors to give varying tasks and projects to people with ADHD, so they won't get bored with what they do. However, avoid giving them jobs, if possible, that can quickly become routine and almost automatic in execution. As an individual with ADHD, it will be good to make it a habit to take regular breaks and break down tasks into smaller ones to achieve them quicker and easier. Finding a less routine and more stimulating job can also work for such an individual.

3. Impulsive behavior and high levels of activity

Having higher-than-normal levels of impulsivity and activity are traits of people with ADHD. This means that they may be more aggressive and outgoing than others which can lead to conflict with their coworkers. In addition, they may get more easily frustrated when things don't happen according to expectations and have poor communication skills leading to misinterpretations of what others say about them and getting aggressive about them.

Of course, people handle things differently regarding such situations, but some may not be able to tolerate such behaviors well. Therefore, someone with ADHD must inform their coworkers and supervisor about their situation if things escalate, so others will understand better where such behavior comes from, especially if it is becoming regular for someone to exhibit such impulsive behavior. Adjustments can be made, such as pairing the concerned individual with more understanding people and giving more constructive feedback whenever misgivings happen. As for the person with ADHD, it will be good for them to learn self-control and be more sensitive when others are not taking their behaviors too well.

4. Difficulties getting the work done

Several things create challenges for someone with ADHD to do well and succeed in their job. They may have difficulty managing complex projects that require a long time of effort and commitment due to their tendency to get distracted and lose track of what should be their priorities. Getting into misunderstandings and conflicts with coworkers can also be a problem. Time management can also be an issue since somebody with ADHD may jump from one work to another without noticing how much time it takes to do one task. Even short-term and small jobs can present a challenge if one forgets details and isn't mindful of what needs to be done.

Knowing that such challenges exist for people with ADHD, there should be understanding and support from coworkers and supervisors that such people may need more special attention and help to aid them in their jobs. For the individual with ADHD, they should get themselves checked by a medical professional to get the proper diagnosis and treatment for their condition. As for supervisors, they can make special arrangements to accommodate such individuals, such as creating workspaces that are less distracting and providing more stimulating and varied tasks if possible.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should not hinder one's success.

People with ADHD are like others; the difference is they tend to be more hyper and need more stimulation and attention than others. Their condition shouldn't be something that will make others treat them with indifference and scorn. While their behaviors and actions can annoy some, they can be like that because their social and work environment is incompatible with what they want and need. People with ADHD can also thrive and succeed like others; they only need to be in the proper work suitable for their talents and behavior. With the appropriate support and reasonable accommodations, people with ADHD can function and work well with their colleagues, just as others do.