We know that successful businesses are built on all types of talent. Which is why, as part of ADHD Awareness Month, we want to highlight that supporting neurodiverse employees isn’t just about meeting legal requirements – it’s about recognising the unique strengths people bring to the workplace.
More than 2.6 million people in the UK are diagnosed with ADHD, and it brings both unique challenges and benefits to a team. While ADHD can make some tasks like time management, focus, and organisation difficult, it also brings with it – creativity, problem-solving, and resilience.
Co-founder of Higginson Strategy, an award-winning Communications Agency in London, John Higginson said of his recent diagnosis, “The jobs I have sought out in life have been perfect for me. Being a journalist under the stress of a daily deadline and now a small business owner plays to my high-risk tolerance and low boredom threshold.
But ADHD is not just an advantage to me as an entrepreneur. I can also see the advantages it brings to the workforce. Public Relations is all about finding new and interesting ways of saying things that are not always obvious. For me that means hiring individuals with ADHD is not just about inclusion; it’s a strategic decision that can provide significant benefits to our purpose-led clients.”
Understanding ADHD at work
You start your day with the best intentions: you have your to-do list, you’re ready to jump in, and then… something distracts you. Your mind races from one idea to the next, making it hard to stick with a single task. But it’s not that you lack the skills – you just need the right environment to bring your best work forward. That’s just one example of a day in the life… but when we understand and support employees with ADHD, we can help them become some of the most innovative and productive members of our team. It’s not just about making accommodations; it’s about providing them with the tools they need to unlock their full potential.
areas where individuals with ADHD can excel
Creative Problem-Solving: Individuals with ADHD often possess a unique way of thinking that leads to innovative solutions. Their ability to make unconventional connections can spark creativity and drive results.
High Energy and Enthusiasm: People with ADHD often bring a contagious passion to the workplace, creating a vibrant and productive environment. Effective HRM reported, “They often excel as leaders, demonstrating high emotional intelligence, creativity, unmatched energy and enthusiasm.”
Resilience and Adaptability: Individuals with ADHD are often adaptable and resilient problem-solvers, thanks to their experience working through challenges.
Multi-tasking: People with ADHD can often effectively juggle multiple tasks, a valuable asset in demanding environments.
Hyperfocus: When interested in a task, individuals with ADHD can achieve intense focus, leading to exceptional results.
UK Companies Leading the Way
Here a few forward-thinking companies embracing neurodiversity as part of their recruitment and workplace strategies:
- Microsoft UK: Microsoft understands that neurodiverse individuals, including those with ADHD, bring invaluable perspectives to the workplace. Their Neurodiversity Hiring Programme offers personalised recruitment processes and workplace accommodations, like flexible schedules and assistive technology, to help employees succeed from day one.
- Auticon: A tech consultancy that hires only neurodiverse consultants, Auticon tailors roles to the strengths of each employee. They provide job coaches who help employees work through the specific challenges that come with ADHD, while ensuring their incredible problem-solving skills are maximised.
- GCHQ: The UK’s intelligence and security agency has made waves by actively recruiting neurodiverse talent. Employees with ADHD are given flexible work options and are paired with supportive teams who understand their needs, showing how inclusivity can thrive even in high-pressure environments.
Practical Steps
How can businesses ensure employees with ADHD feel supported and empowered?
- Offer flexibility: Many people with ADHD benefit from flexible working arrangements, including remote work, which allows them to structure their day around their natural rhythms. For example, an employee with ADHD who knows they perform best in the early afternoon, can schedule their most important tasks during this optimal window, allowing them to be their most productive.
- Break tasks into manageable steps: Imagine sitting at your desk with a long list of tasks in front of you. For someone with ADHD, this can feel overwhelming. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps – with clear priorities and deadlines – helps them stay focused and reduces the anxiety of juggling multiple tasks. Think of it like giving someone a map when they’re feeling lost – it simplifies the journey and makes the end goal clearer.
- Use assistive technology: Tools like time-management apps, project tracking software, or noise-cancelling headphones can help employees with ADHD stay on top of their work. Minimising distractions is a simple yet effective solution that can make a world of difference.
- Coaching and mentorship: Some of the most successful businesses offer ADHD-specific coaching or mentorship. A one-to-one coach can work with an employee to develop personalised strategies that help them manage their time and tasks more effectively. These relationships build a sense of support and accountability, helping employees build the confidence they need to achieve.
Why this matters for your business
At its core, supporting neurodiverse employees is about creating a more inclusive and compassionate workplace. It’s not just the right thing to do – it’s good business. Companies that cultivate inclusivity tend to be more innovative and ultimately more successful. By supporting employees with ADHD, you’re unlocking new ways of thinking, approaching problems, and driving business forward.
Talk to Denholm
Supporting employees with ADHD is about creating an environment where every person can contribute their best work. At Denholm, we believe that inclusion isn’t a policy – it’s a practice. If you’re ready to build a more inclusive, high-performing team, get in touch with us today. Contact us on 03303 359 818 to explore how you can lead the way in supporting neurodiverse talent in your workplace.
