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Transforming “Needy” into “Strategic”.

Asking for Reasonable Adjustments at Work

ADHD at Work

 

ADHD at Work: Transforming “Needy” into “Strategic”: How to Request the Adjustments You Need at Work

When we reframe reasonable adjustments as strategic moves, everyone benefits. Sally’s story illustrates how ADHD coaching helped her redefine her workspace needs, utilise her strengths, and advocate for changes that boosted not only her own performance but that of her entire team.

The Equality Act 2010

For treaders in the UK, this blog would not be compete without some reference to the Equality Act 2010. Under the Act 2010, workers have a right to ask your employer for Reasonable Adjustments to help you overcome challenges caused by your ADHD, and employers have legal obligations to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that you can perform your job to the best of your ability, just like any other employee, without being at a disadvantage because of your condition. You can find more information about ADHD and the Equality Act 2010 in this blog.

 

Struggling to Succeed in chaotic work environment with ADHD

Sally, a talented creative problem-solver, doesn’t always recognise her strengths. Working in a noisy, chaotic environment has prevented her from performing at her best. Recently, she met with her ADHD coach, Bob, feeling burnt out and drained. As a new manager, Sally found herself constantly firefighting rather than leading. Masking her needs left her exhausted and even on sick leave.

 

Lacking a Consistent Workspace Adds to Her Stress

Without a dedicated desk, Sally has to rely on any available workspace, increasing her mental load. She hesitated to ask for a reasonable adjustment, worried it might make her appear “needy.” Seeing her colleagues manage, she felt she “should” cope as they did.

 

Reframing the Request: From “Needy” to Strategic

During her coaching session, Bob encouraged Sally to consider her situation from her manager Pete’s perspective. Pete valued Sally’s creativity and problem-solving abilities and wanted his team to excel. Together, they explored how a dedicated workspace could help Sally feel less drained and enable Pete to better leverage her strengths.

 

Recognising the Broader Benefits

Through coaching, Sally recognised that other team members were also struggling in the overstimulating environment, and a gesture from the management such as reallocating an important limited resource to her team would make them feel more valued and increase morale. What she had previously seen as a personal need now appeared as a strategic improvement for team productivity and morale. By requesting a consistent, quieter workspace, Sally could reduce burnout, increase her effectiveness, and demonstrate that meeting individual needs can benefit the whole team.

 

From Tactical to Strategic Leadership

Sally’s journey reflects a transition from tactical to strategic thinking. Tactical leaders often focus on immediate tasks, whereas strategic leaders consider how their actions impact the broader goals and dynamics within an organisation (Northouse, 2019). By framing her request strategically, Sally not only solved her immediate issues but demonstrated her potential as a capable leader, influencing her work environment in a meaningful way.

 

Embracing Her Strengths and Supporting Team Success

This new perspective allowed Sally to see her request as a move aligned with team success. She could advocate for her needs confidently, understanding that it was a way to showcase her strengths and contribute to a healthier workplace culture. With this shift, Sally was able to focus, conserve her energy, and bring her best to work—a win-win for everyone involved.

 

A Lesson in Advocacy and Empowerment for ADHD in the Workplace

Sally’s story demonstrates how coaching can empower individuals with ADHD to reframe workplace challenges and see adjustments not as personal weaknesses, but as smart, strategic moves that benefit everyone. If you’re struggling to recognise your value or feel out of place in your work environment, ADHD coaching can help you reframe your perspective, harness your unique strengths, and advocate for the changes you need to thrive.

 

About The Author

I’m Michael Ross, an experienced ADHD coach who brings both personal insight and professional expertise to my work. Having been diagnosed with ADHD myself, I understand the challenges you or your partner may be facing because I’ve walked a similar path. My mission is to help you unlock your unique strengths and create a fulfilling, balanced life. You can read more about my story here.

Together, we can develop tailored tools and strategies to build your confidence and master delegation. Whether you’re using an Access to Work budget, your company’s Personal Development Allowance, or self-funding, coaching can be a transformative investment in your growth.

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Imagine feeling confident, focused, and empowered in your role. Coaching can help you achieve that. If this resonates with you, click here to book a complimentary 30-minute Discovery Call to explore how I can support your journey.

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FAQs

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Maybe we’ve answered them below. We love getting into the details so the best way to start your journey is to schedule a consultation

ADHD is when people struggle to focus, stay still, or act without thinking. It begins in childhood and often lasts into adulthood, influencing various aspects of life. Imagine trying to read on a merry-go-round, or driving with one part of you rushing and another leading; that’s somewhat how ADHD can feel. Here at New Dawn ADHD Coaching, we’ll help you determine if you have ADHD and guide you on how to thrive despite it. Schedule a consultation!

At New Dawn ADHD Coaching, it’s important to us that you understand the difference between ADHD coaching and therapy. Therapy dives deep into psychological challenges, focusing on long-term healing and personal growth, often looking back at past experiences to help shape the future. On the other hand, our coaching is all about being proactive and moving forward. It’s not about addressing psychological issues; instead, we focus on practical steps to help you manage your ADHD and thrive today and in the future.

Yes, I can coach you, and here’s something important: I have ADHD too. I’ve faced the same challenges—procrastination, avoiding tasks, and struggling with planning. My firsthand experience gives me a unique perspective to truly understand and connect with you. For more on my journey, check out my bio.

Being coached by someone who shares your ADHD experience means immediate understanding and empathy. There’s no need for lengthy explanations; I get it from the start. This insight is invaluable and often hard to find elsewhere.

Our shared ADHD journey allows us to speak the same language and connect on a deeper level. I’ve walked this path both personally and with many successful clients. This shared experience fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment.

My personal and professional experiences equip me with empathy and insight, enabling me to listen and understand without judgment. Clients often say they feel truly heard for the first time after our first session.

Together, we leverage our shared experiences towards your success, drawing strength from our “tribe” and making your ADHD journey less isolating and more empowering.

Hiring a professional ADHD coach means getting support from someone with not just personal understanding of ADHD, but also specialised training. I’ve completed the ADDCA ADHD Coach programme, focusing on ADHD-specific strategies and knowledge.

Why opt for an ADHD coach over a general life coach? An ADHD coach has deep insights into the neuroscience of ADHD, understanding its impact on behaviour and executive functioning. We’re trained to recognise and address ADHD-specific challenges, offering validation and support tailored to your unique needs.

ADHD coaches offer more than empathy; we provide practical strategies rooted in a deep understanding of how ADHD affects daily life. Unlike general life coaches, our specialised knowledge enables us to help you navigate ADHD-related challenges effectively, avoiding frustration and promoting long-term success. This specialised approach is crucial for those with ADHD, who often need targeted support and understanding that general coaching may not provide.

Absolutely, it’s not only okay but often recommended to have coaching alongside therapy. Having a therapist available is beneficial because sometimes during coaching, we may uncover deeper issues that require a therapeutic approach. Having both coaching and therapy allows for a comprehensive support system, addressing both practical strategies and emotional needs.

The duration of coaching varies for each individual. ADHD coaching isn’t about quick fixes; if that’s what you’re looking for, I may not be the right fit for you. Uncovering the root causes of what’s holding you back is a gradual process, akin to peeling back layers of an onion. It involves making numerous small changes in your thinking patterns and habits, supported by evidence we gather along the way. These changes take time to embed and create lasting transformation.

The length of coaching is unique to each person. If you’re seeking quick fixes, ADHD coaching may not be suitable. We approach coaching as a gradual process, similar to peeling back layers of an onion to uncover underlying issues. It involves making small changes in thinking patterns and habits, supported by evidence we collect over time. These changes take time to implement but lead to lasting transformation.

Sessions typically last around 50 minutes. However, if necessary, we can extend beyond that time. It’s important to note that sometimes shorter sessions end up being the most successful.

Private one-to-one ADHD coaching sessions are £150 each.

If you’re considering coaching, I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation to explore whether it feels like the right fit for you. Click here to book yours. There is no obligation to continue. It’s simply a chance to talk through what you’re looking for and how we could partner to achieve it.

 

If you’re being funded by Access to Work or your employer, the session fee is £180 per session. These sessions are invoiced directly.

Why is there a different rate for Access to Work or employer-paid sessions?
The higher rate reflects the additional time spent on administration, reporting, and correspondence involved when working with Access to Work or employer funding arrangements.


Yes, if your circumstances change, we can adjust the arrangement accordingly. Just let me know in advance so we can handle the paperwork and payment setup smoothly.

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