Employers - looking for ways to enhance your workplace’s productivity?
As a former NHS nurse I have over two decades of experience working in healthcare, I’m also a certified ADHD coach (ADHD Works) and a student with ADDCA.
This means I understand the profound impact ADHD can have on adults’ professional and personal lives, and I aim to bridge the gap between clinical support and practical workplace application, to help enhance the wellbeing and performance of your employees with ADHD.
Understanding ADHD in the Workplace
I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive benefits that understanding and supporting ADHD can have in a work environment, and ADHD is a significant issue for every workplace.
Current estimates show that around 2.58% of adults have ADHD, with a notable number of cases going undiagnosed, especially in minority communities. (Source: NIH)
People with ADHD can face considerable challenges in managing their workloads due to a range of difficulties.
This can include ‘time blindness’ (which affects their ability to estimate how long tasks will take and manage deadlines effectively), emotional regulation, and maintaining focus, all of which often result in increased stress and challenges in meeting workplace expectations.
Individuals with ADHD also often struggle with prioritising tasks and managing their workload, which can lead to burnout.
The good news is that addressing these issues not only supports individuals with ADHD but also enhances workplace productivity and wellbeing for everyone.
And research shows wellbeing is an increasingly important area of development for all organisations:
A Gallup study highlighted that wellbeing is one of the top three criteria employees consider when choosing employers. ₁
A Harvard Business Review survey revealed: “When people feel like they belong at work, they are more productive, motivated, engaged, and 3.5 times more likely to contribute to their fullest potential.” ₂
The World Health Organization has shown that for every $1 invested in treatment for common mental health disorders, there’s a return of $4 in improved health and productivity. ₃
Prioritising employee welfare not only boosts productivity and motivation but also offers clear, tangible benefits to all employees, paving the way for a healthier, more inclusive workplace.
The Benefits of ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaching is different from standard workplace training, and offers unique tools and strategies specifically designed to meet the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD.
The aim is to help employees focus on developing skills such as planning, prioritising, and emotional regulation. This targeted support helps them to take control of their symptoms, so they can enhance both their performance and their quality of life. It can include:
Goal Setting: Collaboratively establishing clear, achievable goals to guide their professional development and daily tasks.
Skill Building: Focusing on developing essential skills such as time management, prioritisation, and organisation, tailored to their specific needs.
Strategic Planning: Helping them to create detailed plans for managing large projects or daily tasks by breaking them into manageable steps.
Routine Structuring: Assisting in establishing effective work routines that enhance focus and productivity while accommodating their unique challenges.
Accountability Measures: Setting up regular check-ins to provide support and ensure they stay on track with their objectives, which can also help in maintaining motivation.
Implementing ADHD Coaching in the NHS
As an ex-NHS employee, I know that integrating ADHD coaching in the NHS requires understanding and flexibility to meet the unique challenges and requirements of the setting.
Based on my own background, I provide tailored programs that can be delivered face-to-face, over the phone, or online – to meet diverse needs.
My overall approach involves collaborating with both the individual and their management team to create an effective coaching plan, and I aim to focus not just on managing symptoms but on enhancing their overall working practice.
If you’d like to find out more, get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat.
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