As the song goes, "Blame it on my ADD", that's my motto theses days! Been diagnosed with ADD for years. It's been fairly manageable with medication but I have had some major life changes in the last two years, which includes my current position at work that has exasperated my symptoms way more than before!
I recognize my current role isn't a good fit with my ADD and have made several attempts to make it better, with no success!!! I've tried writing things down, keeping trackers, sticky notes, reminders, etc. but this position requires the ability to juggle multiple projects (which I have successfully done in previous jobs), requiring the capacity of a strong short term memory to speak to items at any given time (without the luxury of having time to review your notes). It's also a very different side od the business that I just don't connect with well. Sometimes it's just not a good job fit, and I am confident that is the case here.
So here's my question - Has anyone ever tried to utilize the Workplace Accommodations (WPA) process with their HR Dept? What was your experience? What kind of accommodation did you request? Did you feel like you were outcasted? I've made two attempts, but both of my requests were denied. Mine were both for a job reassignment (not a promotion), a lateral job reassignment but it was denied because I was told all the paperwork my doctor provided did not support a job transfer.
Anyone out there gone through this? Any advice?
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NormaJean1
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Might be helpful to attend this support group--even for a meeting or two. I got tons of great tips when I attended a support group after I got diagnosed. But I say just go to one meeting and ask for help. It's virtual.
One point I would make ... see if you can imagine focusing on one or two aspects of your job that you do well. Are there such aspects? You really want to be aware of your strengths and see if you can get your workplace to allow you to focus on your strengths.
And what do you think you do well? This is hard, but drop all modesty and drop all shame and get specific.
Before my ADHD diagnosis, I had been asked to take a lateral transfer.
I later tried to transfer back, applied multiple times for my old position, which I was more qualified for that multiple other candidates.
HR was no help to me, just to get my old job back. (I think that the Director who asked me to transfer worked behind the scenes to prevent me transferring back.)
HR may help with some accomodations, but keep in mind that their primary responsibility is to the organization, not to the employees.
At that particular organization, I knew more employees with good managers who made accommodations, than any that I knew had accomodations from HR.
Welcome to the group! This truly is a safe place to ask all kinds of questions, and has an abundance of compassionate, experienced, and knowledgeable people who seek to help where they can. It's really been a privilege to read the supportive and informational help that people here offer.
I've had zero luck with work accommodations, personally. If it doesn't suit what the company's goals and desires are, then they seem to come back with some excuse as to how I don't actually qualify for the accommodation(s) requested. Honestly, it's a huge factor into why I started my own business. I'm still working for the corp job, but not for much longer. I wish I had more encouraging news for you, but please keep in mind this is only MY experience - others may have a better corp setup with a company that actually tries to work WITH their employees.
Just as a personal tip - which obviously doesn't work for everyone - I use a project management app to record literally EVERYTHING in these "cards". The minute I'm assigned something, I add it to my board (I use the Kanban-style board), along with any details. Anytime I take a step, action, email, etc., I jot a quick note so I have it for reference. There really is something to be said for writing things out helping with the memory aspect for me. Something about having to break everything down to write into my PM app seems to enable me to remember more details when asked. Again, doesn't work for everyone. I'm also easily able to open a particular task, read all the details I've added, and then respond quickly with the status of things - because it's all recorded in one place. I use Teamwork, which does have a free version, but another good free option is Trello if you're interested in trying it.
I truly wish you all the best as you work this out! It's additionally challenging for those of us with ADHD to be in a "bad fit" work situation. It's hard enough to get things done that we don't want to do, but when the whole role is something we feel is a bad fit for us, it can really bring us down. Please feel free to bring specific issues here to the group and we'll do our best to help and encourage!
Thank you so much for your reply. I was so excited about when I heard about the WPA as an option and I really thought it was going to be my saving grace. It was the worst, and most humiliating experience. I don't understand why there is not a WPA advocate that is a completely neutral party, and acts as the liaison between the company and the employee. I felt like I was in this fight alone, and of course I'm working with my company's HR Department. Are they really able to be neutral and educated enough to understand the struggles of ADHD? I was told that if I can't perform in my current position, then how would I be able to perform in any other position? I felt so small and completely incompetent. Now, I feel like I've been kind of blackballed and although I've applied for other jobs that I am qualified for, since going through the WPA process, I haven't been offered even a single interview. I'm scared everyday of losing my job because I know it's not going to get any better yet, I don't know how to express why this position isn't working and why another one would be a better fit. It seems hopeless and makes me feel so hopeless, when all I want is for someone to help me. I've been with this company for many years, and have been successful in every role I've had, except this one... but no one wants to help. I'm basically a sitting duck right now. I appreciate all the information you provided.
Good question! I'm recently diagnosed and just started meds (wow what an enormous difference!). I've been working since I was 16 and have struggled with chronic depression, anxiety, C-PTSD, and now ADHD. I'll be 60 next month. I've been back and forth about whether or not to out myself at work and, for now, I'm going to do that. I've had too many bad experiences at work once a diagnosis came out. Yes, this varies from employer to employer, but for now I'm coping well and I'm not telling anyone. I do have one big advantage - working from home. This allows me to manage my own time and workload in a way that makes sense for me. I work with a great team of people and am very lucky to be in this situation.
I found this article when I was considering what to do, it provides information about the law and also a list of suggested accomodations that may make a difference for you - adhdatwork.add.org/adhd-acc.... Good luck!
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