Thrive Together Mh

As if having ADHD isn’t difficult enough at times, navigating it in the corporate world can be a huge challenge.

For a bit of context, I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 30. I’ve been in the corporate world since graduating from university at 21. The biggest step in my career came when I got a placement at a Big 4 Accountancy Firm a year after graduation. I then qualified as a chartered accountant and worked at an HR SaaS company followed by an electronics manufacturing company as a Financial Analyst then Finance Business Parter respectively.

I suspected I had ADHD in my 20s but wasn’t aware of the significance that obtaining a diagnosis would have on my career. From struggling with Accountancy exams, finding audit horrendously understimulating, wondering why I couldn’t focus on mundane tasks, being the loud one in the office (or sometimes overcompensating as the quiet one), being unable to sit at a desk to fearing rejection and criticism, ADHD played a big part in holding me back throughout my career.

Getting a diagnosis changed everything.

Once I understood my brain better, I was able to request adjustments, such as breaks throughout the day and in long meetings, written instructions, deadlines made clear and many more.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the masking. I expend so much energy at work trying to hide my ADHD that I often finish work completely exhausted and unable to do anything in the evening. If only I had a pound for the number of times I stopped blurting out comments or finishing people’s sentences at work.

So how can we navigate having ADHD in the corporate world?

As mentioned above, a diagnosis is particularly useful as it means a company must make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 since ADHD classifies as a disability. It’s important to be open and transparent with your employer so you get the treatment you require.

But even without a diagnosis, small changes can make a difference.

1 – ask your manager for small deadlines

The ADHD brain works best when we are under pressure. We get overwhelmed when we feel there is a lot to do at once, so breaking large deadlines into small, manageable ones can be very beneficial. This creates a sense of urgency throughout a large task, meaning we are more likely to complete our work on time.

2 – take breaks

Whilst this might not always be feasible, try to take time out during the day to regroup, rest your mind briefly and reset. After a certain amount of time staring at one spreadsheet, it can actually be more beneficial to step away and come back stronger.

3 – reward yourself

ADHD brains seek dopamine. If we are rewarded for meeting a deadline or completing a task, we are more likely to want to do more work. This could be a sweet treat or a chat with a colleague or whatever suits you.

4 – get rid of distractions

When I know I’ve got a big task to do, I try to work from home. Whilst there are distractions at home (cough cough – two crazy cats), I find myself more distracted in the office by noises and other people. Try also locking away your phone for a specific amount of time. It’s amazing what the hyperfocus mode can do when distractions are limited.

5 – use hyperfocus to your advantage

When a deadline is imminent, we always manage to perform in the end. Use these powerful surges to your advantage!

6 – check over your work

I’ve made so many mistakes throughout my career. I always wondered why my attention to detail wasn’t great, but then BAM.. I realised it was ADHD. Adding checks into your work means that the tool can perform these additional checks for you. Or if that’s not possible, then set aside time with a fresh brain to come back and look over your work.

7 – ask your manager to write instructions

Having ADHD makes it hard to follow instructions at times. Getting these written down rather than verbally means you’re able to read and re-read as many times as you need. Don’t be afraid of asking your manager to clarify the instructions – they’d much rather you did this than didn’t follow them!

8 – don’t be ashamed

I spent many years ashamed that I couldn’t “perform” the same way as others. Looking back, I shouldn’t have been so hard on myself. Sometimes, I just needed to work in a different way. Sometimes, I just needed a bit more time. Sometimes, I was my own worst critic. Having ADHD isn’t easy, and you should be proud of yourself for being where you are.

If you have any further tips, then feel free to leave a comment. Thanks, Thrive Together x