A systematic review examining how ADHD manifests in workplace settings analyzed data from 79 studies covering over 68,000 individuals with ADHD across 22 countries
The review reveals that ADHD presents both challenges and unique strengths in the workplace. While workers with ADHD may face difficulties with attention management and organization, they often demonstrate exceptional creativity, problem-solving abilities, and hyperfocus capabilities.
Inattention emerged as the most commonly cited challenge, affecting tasks requiring sustained focus and organization. Workers reported difficulties with:
The review highlighted several strengths frequently associated with ADHD:
A key finding is that workplace environment significantly influences how ADHD manifests. Workers with ADHD often thrive in:
The review identifies several factors that promote workplace success:
This research challenges the deficit-focused view of ADHD, suggesting that many ADHD-related traits can become workplace assets in supportive environments. The findings emphasize the importance of workplace adaptations and highlight how neurodiversity can benefit organizations.
Published in Neurodiversity (2024) by Hotte-Meunier et al. For full details and methodology, read the complete paper “Strengths and challenges to embrace attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in employment—A systematic review” at: https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330241287655