A significant number of ADD diagnosed adults find themselves feeling overwhelmed and struggling to meet the employer’s expectations in some key areas associated with their diagnosis. In order to experience workplace well-being those with ADD will benefit from thinking through some important questions about accommodations.
Should I reveal my ADD Diagnosis to My Employer?
According to Shell Mendelson, a 30 year ADD coach, the world may not yet be ready for you to reveal your ADD diagnosis in the workplace. There are many factors that contribute to why you should or should not ask for accommodations. Mendelson believes corporate America is generally not ready, and many times non-ADD co-workers will see asking for accommodations as an excuse; therefore, sharing your need most likely will stigmatize.
When is the Best Time to Ask For Accommodations?
Also, often by the time you get to the point of asking it is too late, and the employer is already starting a “file”. Ideally, she recommends that you start during the interview by identifying the conditions you need to be successful! Find out about the culture of the company. Is there flexibility in when and where your task-completion occurs? Companies often appreciate when you ask these types of “self-accommodating” questions as a part of accessing the fit.
What is a Self-Accommodation?
Self-accommodation is understanding what your needs are and addressing them. The premise is that by understanding what your best working conditions can look and feel like you will end up more confident, and better able to succeed.
How Do I Know I Where I Need to Self-Accommodate?
Start by asking yourself important questions in order to create motivation and prioritize. Does your ADD impact meeting deadlines? Does it impact your attitude toward the job? Are you making too many mistakes? Are you bored with certain tasks and therefore not getting them done? Are you losing connection with co-workers due to your ADD? Do you feel you are on the path to termination?
Photo by Charles 🇵🇭 on Unsplash
What Can I do to Self-Accommodate?
Then make a list of all the working conditions you hate and next to it write the contrast/ideal conditions, and rank them in order of importance. Next, list the ways you can self-accommodate (i.e. specific type of planner, reminder devices, use of head phones) and what you might need to ask of your employer (i.e. weekly check-in meeting with manager, telecommute certain days). Before talking to a manager about what you need in order to be successful, think through the needs, so that you can articulate how the company will benefit. Finally, watch your mindset. Your mindset will greatly impact success. What this means is that with certain jobs, you may need to tell yourself that this is an end-to-a-means, and you will not be here forever. With other jobs you will find simple self-accommodations can help you turn the corner and highlight your strengths, while promoting your well-being!
Who Really needs to self-accommodate?
In reality, whether we have a diagnosis of ADD or not there are key benefits to analyzing and advocating for our needs in the work environment. Don’t assume that things need to be a certain way. You might be surprised how supportive others can be and how a small change can improve your well-being!
Wendy Dellis is a certified wellness coach. She joins years of training and work in the area of behavior change, experience as a fitness instructor and run club coordinator with a passion for adventure and people. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, Jay, and two sons.
I find a “coffee shop” environment encourages task completion for me. How about you?
The information contained on this page is for general information purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical or healthcare advice, but only topics for discussion. No physician-patient relationship exists; please consult your physician before making changes in diet or lifestyle.