In this Blogpost our People & Culture Operations Specialist Denise talks about her experiences with ADD and how our company supports folks when it comes to these unique challenges.
ADHD and ADD are often misunderstood conditions that affect millions of adults worldwide. While ADHD typically includes symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity; ADD is characterized by inattentiveness and the lack of hyperactivity.
Each individual person has different symptoms. The most common symptoms are difficulty focusing and maintaining attention on tasks, acting without considering consequences, restlessness, forgetfulness and disorganization, difficulty managing time and deadlines. But with the struggles comes also strengths, such as creativity, problem-solving skills and the ability to think outside the box.
Often enough people with ADHD and ADD are pigeonholed and misunderstood by leads or colleagues who may not fully understand the nature of these conditions. This lack of understanding can lead to a feeling of low self- esteem and a reluctance to disclose their condition for fear of discrimination.
Here at YAGER we are very open about embracing each person´s differences. Our colleagues are not afraid to open up and receive support and understanding.
We give everyone the opportunity to further educate themselves on ADHD and ADD. For example, through our collaboration with the Fürstenberg Institute, who are offering webinars on the topic of ADHD and ADD but also support initial consultations. In our company you can educate others about topics that are close to your heart, be it work related or simply topics that could be important for your work. For that we have our Lunch & Learn Sessions, where everyone can choose a topic, they want to introduce to others.
As a person with ADD myself I think it is important to understand your strengths and weaknesses, to be open with your team about where you need help and where you can provide help. At YAGER we have the company culture that supports this openness without a person being judged for obstacles they must overcome. I learned that organization is a big part of helping me. Organizing my task for the week, having my to do lists, setting reminders in the calendar and working with my noise cancelling headphones in the office.
ADHD and ADD bring some unique challenges in the workplace, but with understanding and support, everyone can thrive professionally. Identifying and fostering the strengths of each individual benefits every company.