ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that can significantly affect an individual’s ability to manage various aspects of daily life, particularly in the workplace. People with ADHD often experience difficulties maintaining focus on tasks, organising their workload, and regulating impulsive behaviours.
These challenges arise from differences in executive functioning, which governs skills like planning, time management, and self-control. In a professional setting, these difficulties can manifest in several ways. For example:
- Difficulty focusing: Sustaining attention on tasks, especially those that are repetitive or uninteresting, can be challenging. This may result in incomplete work or overlooked details, leading to errors.
- Poor organisation: Managing multiple tasks or keeping track of deadlines can feel overwhelming. This can lead to disorganised workspaces, forgotten appointments, or missed deadlines, all of which may affect productivity and teamwork.
- Impulsive behaviour: Acting without fully considering the consequences may result in interrupting others, making hasty decisions, or struggling to follow workplace protocols. This can sometimes strain professional relationships or disrupt workflows.
These challenges can contribute to workplace issues such as unmet expectations, frequent mistakes, or a perception of unreliability. Over time, this may lead to disciplinary action, strained relationships with colleagues or managers, and, in severe cases, dismissal from a job.
However, it is essential to recognise that individuals with ADHD often bring unique strengths to the workplace. These can include creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, the ability to hyper-focus on engaging tasks, and high levels of energy. With appropriate accommodations, strategies, and understanding from employers, individuals with ADHD can thrive professionally.
Examples of supportive measures include structured routines, flexible deadlines, regular feedback, and tools such as planners or task management software.
Access to Work programme
- Top of Form
The Access to Work programme, run by the UK government, provides up to £69,260 annually to help individuals with disabilities or health conditions, including ADHD, to start or stay in work. This grant is designed to support people in various employment situations and doesn’t affect other benefits or need repayment. Some costs may need to be covered upfront by you or your employer, with reimbursement provided later.
The grant can assist with:
• Starting a new job
• Continuing employment
• Moving into self-employment or launching a business (excluding start-up costs)
The program is available to anyone in work, regardless of full-time or part-time status, salary, or employment type. However, it’s not available to those who are retired, unable to work or are looking for business startup costs.
Types of Support Available
For individuals with ADHD, examples of commonly requested accommodations include:
- ADHD Coaching: to provide tailored strategies for managing ADHD at work.
Noise-cancelling headphones to reduce distractions. - Funding for ergonomic furniture to aid focus and posture
Specialist equipment for assistive technologies - Mental health support
- Training
Application Process for Access to Work Support
Applying for Access to Work involves an application and, if accepted, an assessment to determine specific needs. The support plan developed may include:
• Flexible work schedules to accommodate medication effects or energy levels
• A mentor for additional guidance
• Extra time for task completion
• Additional training opportunities
• Regular check-ins with your manager
• A phased return to work, with reduced hours or days
Access to Work also collaborates with your employer to recommend workplace adjustments. Employers are responsible for initial costs, which the government reimburses.
Eligibility Requirements for Access to Work
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to apply, though having one may strengthen your application. ADHD is recognised as a mental health disability under the Mental Health Act (1990). To qualify, you must meet these criteria:
• Have a physical or mental health condition or disability impacting your work or commute
• Be 16 or older
• Be in paid work or due to start/return to work within 12 weeks, including remote roles
• Be employed or self-employed
• Reside and work in England, Scotland, or Wales (Northern Ireland has a different system; Access to Work isn’t available in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man)
How to Apply:
Visit the official Access to Work webpage to check eligibility and submit your application
What Happens After Applying?
Once you apply, an Access to Work assessor, typically a government contractor, will contact you. They’ll discuss your job role and the impact of your condition on work to determine suitable support. The assessor may need to communicate with your employer or visit your workplace to better understand your needs. Generally, the employer initially pays for the accommodations, then claims reimbursement.
I work as an online ADHD Coach throughout the UK, so if you have any questions at all or if I can support you in any way, please get in touch. https://wellbeing-counsellingservice.co.uk/ or call me on 0795 443 4840
