Help with awareness at work

[NoahUK]

I've been discussing adjustments at work due to being in a very distracting open office. In the first instance, my employer has offered some Perspex screens which i'm fine with, but obviously it's going to give the impression that I'm infectious! I wondered if anyone had links to any posters, or ideas of any I can create just to let people know that it's due to my ADHD. I have no issues with people being aware of my ADHD and happy to use it to increase awareness.

[STEM_Dad]

Welcome to the forum NoahUK !

What are the types of issues that you're trying to address?

Some people with ADHD are easily distracted by noise, so they might ask for an accommodation to wear noise cancelling headphones when they need to do focus work.

Others are distracted by movement, so they might be accommodated by working away from high traffic passages.

Having a office to oneself could serve both purposes.

By use if the screens, I would presume that it's the visual distraction that's more of an issue for you. Could you ask to work at a desk that's on the periphery (away from the middle) and facing away from the the room?

(That wouldn't work for me...I prefer to have a wall to my back and to see other people coming. It's partly due to anxiety. It's also partly due to my long work history in customer service jobs: I like to notice when someone needs help, so that I can go aid them, because that's my natural inclination.)

[NoahUK in reply to STEM_Dad]

Hi. Sorry if I wasn’t clear, I’m not looking for a solution as ive already agreed on Perspex screens. I was just looking for ideas of a notice or poster I can place to educate anyone who wonders why only I have them.

[Mamamichl]

I would make a print that says “due to adhd, I’m an HDP” and under it say “highly distractable person”

[NoahUK in reply to Mamamichl]

This is perfect, and I love it. Thanks.

[Mamamichl in reply to NoahUK]

Heck, make it have images that make you look contagious “hazard” and such if you think people would get a chuckle out of it.

[Old_Owl]

Hi Noah

I personally have struggled figuring out what to ask for accommodation wise at work, so it's nice to read about your situation with the screen and I hope it works for you. It sounds like you're in a good place of talking about your ADHD and see you've received some good suggestions.

The need to "explain" the accommodation, letting people know you aren't infectious, is interesting to me. I can see it opening conversation, educating them along the way as they are assured they won't catch anything.

Please let us know how this plays out for you.