Attention Deficit Disorder

Step 8 – Improve Workplace Functioning.

Question:

Improve Workplace Functioning. Many, if not most adults with ADD (ADHD) experience significant challenges in the workplace. Some adults may need to consider a change of career, while others simply need to make adjustments within their current job. ADD in the Workplace by Kathleen Nadeau (see below) provides a blueprint for pinpointing ADD (ADHD) difficulties on the job as well as offering a wealth of strategies to function better on the job. What things have you had to change in the workplace in order to function effectively? Kitten

Response:

Improve Workplace Functioning. Many, if not most adults with ADD (ADHD) experience significant challenges in the workplace. Some adults may need to consider a change of career, while others simply need to make adjustments within their current job. ADD in the Workplace by Kathleen Nadeau (see below) provides a blueprint for pinpointing ADD (ADHD) difficulties on the job as well as offering a wealth of strategies to function better on the job. What things have you had to change in the workplace in order to function effectively? Kitten

I have had "significant challenges" in my work.  It is still very difficult to remain focused on a task, even after being on stimulants for six months.  I know that I have to be proactive myself, and not expect the meds to do it all. I’ve been trying to stay focused, but it’s very hard. I have tried music with headphones, lists, asked for regular feedback from my manager, and several other techniques.  They help some, but I’m not happy with my own performance.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [...] What things have you had to change in the workplace in order to function effectively? I have had "significant challenges" in my work.  It is still very difficult to remain focused on a task, even after being on stimulants for six months.  I know that I have to be proactive myself, and not expect the meds to do it all. I’ve been trying to stay focused, but it’s very hard. I have tried music with headphones, lists, asked for regular feedback from my manager, and several other techniques.  They help some, but I’m not happy with my own performance.

What’s your work environment like, noisy? Chaotic? Do you think there are any changes you could make to your own work space that would make a difference? — Vashti

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [...] What things have you had to change in the workplace in order to function effectively? I have had "significant challenges" in my work.  It is still very difficult to remain focused on a task, even after being on stimulants for six months.  I know that I have to be proactive myself, and not expect the meds to do it all. I’ve been trying to stay focused, but it’s very hard. I have tried music with headphones, lists, asked for regular feedback from my manager, and several other techniques.  They help some, but I’m not happy with my own performance. What’s your work environment like, noisy? Chaotic? Do you think there are any changes you could make to your own work space that would make a difference? — Vashti

My workplace can be a little noisy at times, with cubicles and peole talking, but it’s not really a problem. Mostly, I work at something for a while, then think of something else, do it, or follow an idea on the Internet, and get lost. I’m aware that the problem is not with my external workspace, but with my internal workspace (in my head) I’ve been on two different ADD meds, and neither has helped much in focusing on work. I may try backing off on the ADD meds, and see how it affects my work. Smokey

Response:

My workplace can be a little noisy at times, with cubicles and peole talking, but it’s not really a problem.

I think I’d really have trouble in cubicles. Is your desk tidy- is it laid out so you can find what you need and see things you need to remember? Mostly, I work at something for a while, then think of something else, do it, or follow an idea on the Internet, and get lost. I’m aware that the problem is not with my external workspace, but with my internal workspace (in my head) I’ve been on two different ADD meds, and neither has helped much in focusing on work. I may try backing off on the ADD meds, and see how it affects my work.

I’d try a timer first… something simple set to go off every half hour maybe to give you a reminder about time. I’ve got one here at home set for one hour and it does help somewhat: the beep makes me look at the clock, I’ll check the calender depending on what time it is. Maybe you could train yourself to check a prioritised to-do list when the beep sounds? — Vashti

Response:

Filed under: ADD and ADHD

Related Posts