People with ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, suffer from a pathological disorder of attention and motor restlessness. Due to hyperactivity, an exaggerated urge to move, inattention and impulsive, rash actions, the everyday work of people with ADHD is fundamentally disturbed. People with ADHD are by no means less intelligent. Not everyone who has trouble concentrating from time to time or who feels the urge to move has ADHD. Only the diagnosis, which requires detailed discussions and specific tests by an experienced specialist, brings clarification. Contrary to the first impression of ADHD, it can, in the right environment, with the right handling and a substantial portion of organization, also be quite advantageous in professional life! 

Advantages due to ADHD in professional life  

Even though professional life can be exhausting for people with ADHD, ADHD also brings advantages: First of all, people with ADHD can concentrate differently. If a topic or the entire profession particularly interests a person with ADHD, absolute enthusiasm ensues. Everything about it creates joy, even if it is exhausting. So, ADHD can also be fun.  

The alternate way of thinking of people with ADHD allows them to come up with new and creative ideas at team meetings and brainstorming together. They are also more inclined to try new things, often finding faster and more effective ways to accomplish tasks. The phenomenon of hyperfocus refers to a non-selectively controllable, stimulus-dependent, and flow-like state of heightened concentration. Hyperfocus is driven by high interest, creativity, motivation, drive, and autonomy. People with ADHD can perform respectably as a result. Of course, ADHD is expressed differently in each individual and thus manifests differently.

Disadvantages of ADHD in professional life 

ADHD is sadly not only beneficial in professional life. Many things quickly distract or interfere with concentration. Music can be beneficial in many situations, but it can also be distracting. General background music in the office is very distracting to people with ADHD, especially in moments of high concentration. This should be kept very subtle. Other sounds such as whale sounds or white noise can stimulate the brain in such a way that people with ADHD are more difficult to distract. Noises play a crucial role for those affected, small soft beep noises, an unpleasant hissing noise or even the hustle and bustle in an open-plan office can lead to a small internal burnout for many people with ADHD, which however only lasts for minutes. In addition to noise, other things also complicate the daily work of people with ADHD; they do not lack motivation or ideas, but the brain almost blocks access to concentration. Others experience a kind of rigidity in which they cannot distinguish what to start with because every task seems equally important and urgent. Here again, it is important to note that ADHD occurs to varying degrees in those affected.

Organization in professional life with ADHD 

For those affected by ADHD, it is important to organize and adapt well - not only the workplace itself, but also professional life generally. For a suitable work atmosphere one can also talk to the employer, who can do his part to help in the implementation.  

Depending on the degree of the disorder, other conditions may be needed and important. Most employees with ADHD would likely prefer an undisturbed workplace. Those affected by ADHD should keep their desks as distraction-free as possible, have only the necessary items in sight, and keep everything well organized and structured. Everything important should have an assigned place. Concentration programs such as "Pomodoro" or even frequent exchanges with superiors can help people with ADHD. Sharing the current status of tasks and strict deadlines help complete tasks according to importance. Creating to-do lists also helps keep track of things. With proper organization, an employee with ADHD can work effectively and very purposefully on tasks. People with ADHD usually develop their own effective ways to succeed at work, but colleagues and employers can help make the workday more enjoyable too.