Hello! My names Emily and I’m the founder and CEO of Enna. Last year, in my late twenties I got diagnosed with ADHD. We work with lots of great employers and speak to some amazing people, but I still think there are a lot of misconceptions about ADHD, especially how it presents in females like me!

Here’s what I really want other colleagues to know about ADHD:

1. It’s Not Just About Being Distracted or Hyperactive

I know that ADHD is often associated with being distracted or having trouble sitting still. While that can be part of the experience, ADHD is about more than just focus or hyperactivity. It affects how I organise and prioritise tasks, how I manage my time, and how I process information. My brain is often juggling multiple thoughts at once, which can sometimes make it seem like I’m not fully focused on one thing. But that’s not the full picture.

What I want you to know:
If a colleague with ADHD seems distracted in a meeting or take a moment to respond, it’s not because they don’t care. Sometimes, they might be processing things differently, and they might need a bit of extra time to gather their thoughts. If you need their input, a gentle prompt or clear direction can help them refocus.

2. People with ADHD Can Handle Complex Work, but They Might Do It Differently

There’s a common belief that people with ADHD can’t handle complex tasks or that we need constant supervision or accountancy to get things done. That’s not true. I enjoy taking on challenging projects, especially when they require creativity or a fresh perspective. But I might approach tasks in a way that’s different from how you or others would. I tend to work best when I can break things down into smaller steps and tackle them in chunks.

What I want you to know:

If your colleague with ADHD works in an unconventional way, it may be because they’ve found a method that works for them. They may work in short, more focused bursts and take a few more fidget breaks, but you’re guarenteed to still get high quality results. If you can give them the flexibility to approach tasks in their own way, you will get the very best out of them.

3. ADHD’ers Not Lazy or Unmotivated, Even If It Looks That Way Sometimes

One of the most challenging parts of having ADHD is dealing with the stigma that we’re lazy or unmotivated. Sometimes, when it is a task I might find difficult (e.g. anything to do with maths for me!) I might not be able to jump straight into it. Thats because it might feel overwhelming to me. It’s not because I’m not interested or don’t want to get it done, its because I can struggle with what’s called “executive function,” which involves planning, organising, and starting tasks.

What I want you to know:
If your colleague with ADHD is procrastinating, it’s not about avoiding work. Sometimes, they just need help breaking tasks down, thinking about how they will approach the task or finding a way to get started. Gentle reminders or check-ins can make a huge difference.

4. I’m Not Trying To Be Forgetful —Time Just Works Differently for ADHD’ers

I know it can be frustrating when your colleague with ADHD might be late to a Zoom call or overlook a deadline. Please understand that it’s not intentional. ADHD affects how we perceive time. What might feel like “plenty of time” to you could feel like a much shorter window to us. This doesn’t mean we don’t take deadlines seriously—we do—but it’s a genuine challenge for me to manage time in the same way as others.

What I want you to know:
If possible, sending your colleagues small reminders or clearly outlining deadlines helps them stay on track. They’re not asking you to babysit them, but a simple check-in or deadline reminder goes a long way. People with ADHD genuinely want to meet your expectations and we love working as part of a team, and this kind of support helps us do exactly that.

5. People with ADHD Don’t Always Thrive in “Traditional” Work Settings

The 9-to-5 structure and typical office environment aren’t always conducive to how my brain works best. Sometimes, I need a change of scenery, or the freedom to work at my own pace. Sitting at a desk for hours on end might make it harder for me to stay focused, whereas working in bursts or moving around can help me stay engaged

The typical 9-to-5 structure and traditional office environment aren’t always conducive to how my brain works best. Sometimes, I need a change of scenery, or the freedom to work at my own pace. Sitting at a desk for hours on end can make it harder for me to stay focused, whereas working in bursts or having the option to move around can help me stay engaged.

What I want you to know:
If I ask for flexible working hours or to change my workspace, it’s not because I’m trying to shirk responsibility. I’m trying to create an environment where I can be more productive. Offering flexibility in how and when I work helps me stay focused and contribute to the team more effectively.

6. Positive Feedback and Encouragement Go a Long Way

ADHD can make it feel like I’m constantly trying to catch up or compensate for the way my brain works. That can lead to a lot of self doubt. Positive feedback and encouragement really help, especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Knowing that my efforts are recognised and valued keeps me motivated.

What I want you to know:
People with ADHD don’t need constant praise, but knowing that our contributions are appreciated makes a huge difference. Constructive feedback helps us grow, but encouragement helps us stay confident and focused. Small acknowledgements of progress really help, especially when we’re facing a challenge.

7. We Are Very Capable, and We Want to Succeed—With Your Support, We Will

Having ADHD doesn’t make us less capable or less driven. It just means we work differently. People with ADHD brings lots of strengths, including creativity, passion, and a unique perspective to the team, and with the right support, your colleagues with ADHD can thrive. What we need most is understanding, patience, and a willingness to accommodate small adjustments that will help us succeed.

What I want you to know:
When we all work together, we can do amazing things. Accommodations don’t need to be complicated—they just need to acknowledge that my brain works a little differently. With flexible structures, clear communication, and a positive environment, your colleagues with ADHD will give their best in return.