ADHD in the workplace: Tips for Thriving with ADHD in the workplace

It took me a long time before I found an ADHD friendly job.  I work in a supermarket and it's fantastic.  The fact that supermarkets hire people which much more severe disabilities then ADHD make them a perfect place for ADHD.  Even so it's important I still advocate for myself in the workplace.

Make sure you get your breaks on time

Breaks are important.  At my job you get a break for every 3 hours you work.  Trust me, after three hours your brain is begining to lose focus quickly.  I always speak up and ask for my break once I'm near that 3 hour mark. Its better to speak up and ask for a break; then make a silly mistake because you have lost focus.

Important:  If you feel your company's break policy is unreasonable find a new job.  I used to work at Wawa where they only gave one half hour break for an 8 hour shift.  7 hours was only a 15!  This was not enough.  Also I met with resistant when asking to use the bathroom.

Let your Employer Know you have ADHD

Its important your employer knows you have ADHD.  You may think it's non of their business but it's helpful for them to know.  I recently had to let my manger know I was on stimulant medication, and have to drink a lot of water to prevent me from getting irritable.  This is because they were trying to accuse me of using the bathroom frequently.  After I mentioned I had a medical reason there was no longer an issue.

Also if there is ever an issue with your medication, it no longer working or having to wait on refills you will want your employer to know why your performance is off.

Stay Busy, Look for things to do

Its important to keep busy when you are working.  Don't know what to do? Ask a manager.  Asking for things to do will help you outshine your neutotypical colleagues.  Also, keeping busy will help you keep from zoning out.

Make sure you do something you like

If we don't like our job it will be almost impossible for us to perform well.  I used to work in food service, but I lost almost every job I got in that industry. This is because I was downright miserable.  It doesn't matter what medication you are on.  If your hearts not into it your head won't be either.





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