Have you encountered employees who have the potential to be highly productive but are undermined by their own behaviour? They may have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), a developmental disorder characterised by distractibility, impulsivity, hyper-activity and a decreased ability to self-regulate. According to the American Deficit Disorder Association, 4% to 6% of the population worldwide has ADHD.
Related: The Daily Progress Checklist
Identifying ADHD
The condition involves a person’s ability to become easily distracted and disorganised, which can cause difficulties in a deadline-oriented workplace. It’s easy for such employees to go ‘off track.’ But with some sensitivity, managers can take steps to mitigate the problems and help employees perform to their potential.
5 ways to help employees stay on track
1. Time management
Being easily distracted can interfere with the completion of tasks. More frequent check-ins from managers, or computer-based reminders, for example, can help keep projects moving at the desired pace.
2. Office configurations
Because of the ease of distractibility, open office arrangements may lead to problems. More privacy and quiet can be helpful to keep someone with ADHD on task.
3. Reward systems
Since attention can all too easily wander, a manager may want to use rewards, either tangible or simply verbal, more frequently than normal.
4. Team dynamics
Employees with ADHD tend to be more effective in individual contributor rather than team leader roles, so it makes good sense for a manager to give careful thought to a team’s composition.
Related: Accommodating Your Boss’s Work Style
5. Closer supervision
Closer supervision can help to ensure projects stay on course and the results are achieved.
On the plus side, some disorganised employees may also be among the most creative and talented.
