When we think of ADHD, we typically think of its impact on our children as they navigate their school years. But ADHD doesn't disappear when we turn 16; it extends well into adulthood, touching everything from our relationships to our careers.
For some, ADHD can bring creativity, energy, and out-of-the-box thinking to the workplace; for others, it can mean challenges with organisation, time management, and navigating office routines.
To better understand these experiences, we asked members of the ProblemShared team who have been diagnosed with ADHD to share, in their own words, how ADHD affects their working lives.
How does ADHD present itself in your day-to-day work life?
Yasmin Taylor, ADHD Prescriber
'ADHD shows up in subtle but persistent ways. I often make errors in simple tasks, even after multiple re-reads - it's as if the mistakes are hiding in plain sight.
'There's a constant balancing act between seeking new, stimulating tasks, and feeling overwhelmed by them. My short-term memory and recall can be unreliable; I might remember fragments of information but not the full picture, which means I rely heavily on prompts, notes, and cues. This can make contributing to meetings challenging.
'On the flip side, I’m deeply caring, passionate, and sensitive to others, which adds a lot of heart to my work.'
Lisa Davies, Clinical Lead Development
'It has taken a long time for me to try and maintain a structure in my working day; however, I do have a tendency to hyperfocus on tasks and not take regular breaks.
'The service I currently manage is changing daily and sometimes I struggle to keep up with all the changes and communicate this across the team. Finding a balance is what my ADHD brain struggles with!'
Lizzie Elgar, Operations Specialist
'It can be difficult for me to focus on long or repetitive tasks, but then I may hyperfocus on tasks that especially interest me. It can feel a little 'all or nothing' - sometimes I feel like I do eight hours work in half that time, but other days the opposite feels true, which makes me worry how other people perceive me.
'I can be overly sensitive to perceived criticism, even if that criticism isn’t real, so I spend time overthinking situations even when I’m away from work.
'On the positive side, I can be very creative problem-solver, I can be quite energetic and enthusiastic, and I can identify issues before others do.'
Kirstie Gorman, ADHD Assessor
'ADHD presents in extremes at work. I really love doing assessments; my mind whizzes ahead. I can think on my feet and follow clients on their tangents. I notice the themes and areas of life that feel conflicting that they can't easily make sense of.
'However, my ADHD causes me challenges around the “tasks requiring sustained mental effort” and with making sure I do the routine elements. I moved to contracting so that I could have time to complete the admin side while giving myself the space to get distracted.'
How has ADHD shaped your career or work style?
Lizzie Elgar, Operations Specialist
'It’s made me more patient with others because I understand that people may have a lot going on below the surface - possibly even things they don’t yet recognise themselves.
'There’s no getting away from the fact that it has limited my career when I look at my peers that I went to school with. However, it’s made me look at what I value in an employer and my job role a lot more.
'I think that means that I’m a happier person as a result, rather than chasing the next stage or stepping up all the time.'
Laura Philliskirk, Psychoeducation Team Lead
'I absolutely love starting new projects and taking on fresh challenges. I’m full of ideas and enjoy taking ownership of tasks so I can give them my full focus.
'In a constantly evolving business, I thrive on keeping things exciting and new. The opportunity to be creative while also supporting my team as a Team Lead allows me to use my strengths in both creativity and empathy.'
Yasmin Taylor, ADHD Prescriber
'ADHD has made me fast-paced, driven, and always eager to learn. I thrive when I’m busy and I love thinking creatively.
'I’ve always had a clear sense of purpose and direction in my career. Nursing in particular has been a great fit - it allows me to channel both physical and mental energy, which helps me manage my symptoms.'
Are there any common misconceptions of how ADHD affects people in the workplace?
Lisa Davies, Clinical Lead Development
'That we’re disorganised, lack routine and structure, are late to meetings, etcetera etcetera - that could not be further from the truth!
'I often turn up early for fear of being really late and use apps, timers, and to do lists to make sure that I'm organised. But to do that day in, day out is a huge mental load and can take its toll.
'Regular breaks help (so long as the hyperfocus doesn't kick in!), as does trying to have some sort of work/life balance.'
Laura Philliskirk, Psychoeducation Team Lead
'A common misconception is that people with ADHD can't focus or complete tasks, and that this might make them unreliable.
'In reality, many people with ADHD experience hyperfocus. Once momentum builds, it can be difficult to stop focusing and transition to another task.
'This can be just as challenging as struggling to stay focused. Hyperfocus can be exhausting, and taking regular breaks is important - but breaking out of that state can be incredibly difficult for some.
'Everyone’s experience is different, and it’s important to understand that ADHD doesn’t always look like distraction or inattention.'
Why is it important to recognise that ADHD can look different in different employees?
Lizzie Elgar, Operations Specialist
'Everyone has different learning styles and ways of working, and that’s no different for people with ADHD. Two people with ADHD who are both struggling with starting tasks, for example, may have totally different things that can help them.
'I think it’s important that managers are flexible and let their staff trial different techniques to see if they work. Things that help this month may stop helping next month, so managers need to be open to the fact that accommodations may need to change.'
Laura Philliskirk, Psychoeducation Team Lead
'It’s really important to recognise that ADHD presents differently in each person. By taking the time to understand individual experiences, we can better support people with their challenges and work with their strengths.
'This not only helps build confidence but also fosters collaboration and a more inclusive team environment.'
Lisa Davies, Clinical Lead Development
'It's not a one size fits all - there are different presentations of ADHD, including hyperactive and inattentive, and we all have different strengths and challenges.
'It’s about understanding a person's strengths and challenges and using those to benefit not only the employee, but the company as a whole.'
More information about ProblemShared
ProblemShared is an online mind health platform. We provide access to the highest-quality mental healthcare services and neurodevelopmental assessments for autism, ADHD, and specific learning difficulties, as well as post-diagnostic care and support.
We are a practitioner‑led, CQC-regulated community of experts, working together with individuals and organisations such as NHS trusts and integrated care boards, universities, insurers, and private medical healthcare providers.
For more information about our ADHD services, please visit any of the following relevant pages:
.png)
