You start a task full of energy, get halfway, and suddenly it feels impossible to carry on. Then something new catches your attention and you’re off. For many people with ADHD this is an everyday pattern, and it is often misread at work as laziness or a lack of commitment. It is neither.
This post looks at what researchers think is going on, and what employees and managers can do with that knowledge.
An interest-driven attention system
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference, and the NHS describes how it shows up in adults, including difficulty sustaining attention on tasks that feel dull. Many ADHDers describe it simply: attention follows interest, urgency, novelty or challenge, and it is very hard to force it anywhere else.
Scientists are still working out exactly why. Much of the research has focused on how the brain processes reward and motivation, including the role of the chemical messenger dopamine, and on the networks that manage planning and attention. The picture isn’t settled, so be wary of anyone who explains ADHD with a single neat brain fact. What is clear is that this is about how a brain is wired, not about willpower.
Why delayed rewards are harder
A task with a clear, quick payoff is easier to stay with than one where the reward is weeks away or vague. A quarterly report, a long compliance course or an admin backlog all fall into the second group. For many people with ADHD, the gap between effort and reward feels much wider, so the task loses its pull long before it is finished.
Executive function and switching focus
Executive functions are the mental skills we use to plan, prioritise, start tasks and hold back from distractions. ADHD often affects these skills, which is why moving attention away from something interesting, or back to something boring, takes real effort. We cover this in more detail in our post on executive function and ADHD at work.
Restlessness and the pull of something new
Impulsivity and hyperactivity are listed traits of ADHD. At work, they can show up as a strong urge to jump to a fresher task, or a restless feeling during long stretches of sitting still. That same energy is often what makes ADHDers quick to spot new ideas and willing to act on them.
Environment makes a big difference
Noise, interruptions, busy open plan offices and constant notifications make it harder for anyone to concentrate. For people with ADHD the effect is often stronger. A distracting environment is a barrier in the workplace, not a flaw in the person, and it is usually one of the easiest things to change.
What helps in practice
If you have ADHD, try making boring tasks more engaging on purpose. Break them into short sprints with a visible finish line, pair them with something you enjoy, set a timer, or work alongside someone else. Our tips for staying focused with ADHD go into more detail.
If you manage someone with ADHD, a few small changes go a long way:
- agree short deadlines and regular check-ins rather than one distant due date
- give a mix of work so repetitive tasks are broken up by more stimulating ones
- offer quieter spaces, headphones or flexible working
- judge people on results rather than on how steadily they appear to work
Many of these are simple reasonable adjustments for employees with ADHD. It’s also worth reading what someone with ADHD wants their colleagues to know, because a lot of the friction around losing interest in tasks comes from misunderstanding.
How Enna can help
Managers who want to get better at this can join our Supporting and Managing Neurodivergent Employees workshop, which focuses on practical ways to set work up so different brains can do their best. If a specific employee is finding focus hard, a workplace needs assessment will identify adjustments that suit them, and one to one workplace coaching can help them build strategies around how their attention works. You can book a call to talk through what would suit your team.
Looking for a role where your energy is valued? Browse the Enna jobs board.
