Tips for Dealing with an ADHD Co-Worker

When most individuals hear the term ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, they typically associate this with children or young adults. However, the diagnosis for ADHD for adults is more commonplace now as well.

ADHD may show up differently in adults than in children. There are many symptoms that could possibly relate to an adult having ADHD, including:

* Inability to pay attention

* Lack of focus

* Difficulty concentrating

* Poor skills in the area of listening and following directions

* Unable to complete the task at hand

* Wandering from one subject to another

While these are all vague symptoms, if you work alongside someone who has some or all of these symptoms, or does in fact have ADHD diagnosed, it may be difficult to work with them. However, there are some things to make it a little easier.

Recognition

The first step in dealing with an ADHD co-worker is to recognize your co-worker’s diagnosis. It is not just a characteristic trait of being disorganized, messy, or unable to pay attention due to being a wanderer instead of a worker.

Once you recognize that it is not something intentional, it is easier to have compassion for your co-worker.

Assist

If you have a co-worker with ADHD, you could always go to bat for that co-worker by going to your employer. Seek out their help and aid to assist both your co-worker and yourself in being more productive. Perhaps some organizational tools may be of help.

Your co-worker may do better in a smaller space away from distraction. These are all ways to help your co-worker have a productive day, while also helping yourself from being distracted.

Compassion

Last but not least, having compassion for your colleague is integral. Remember, he or she may take two or maybe even three times longer than you may to complete the same task.

Offer Resources

If your co-worker seems overwhelmed, it may be necessary during a lunch hour or after work to search for resources for them. Resources may be in the form of a different doctor, new medication alternatives, or counseling. It may include all of these things.

While it may be difficult to work with a co-worker who has ADHD, recognizing and having compassion for their diagnosis will assist you both. Assisting your co-worker in getting the organizational tools that they need while giving them the space and extra time they need to do their tasks is essential to the success of both of you.