Your Rights at Work: A Complete Guide to ADHD
Your Rights at Work: A Complete Guide to ADHD Accommodations in UK Workplaces
Introduction: ADHD as a Protected Characteristic
Hello there! If you're navigating work life with ADHD in the UK, this guide is for you. Good news - ADHD is considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010, which means you have legal protections and rights to support at work. This gives you a solid foundation to request the accommodations you need to thrive!
Disclosure Decision Framework
Deciding whether to tell your employer about your ADHD is personal. Let's look at what might help you decide:
Potential benefits of disclosure:
Access to formal workplace accommodations
Protection against discrimination
Relief from hiding struggles or masking symptoms
Opportunity to educate others about neurodiversity
Considerations before disclosing:
Your workplace culture and attitudes toward neurodiversity
Your relationship with your manager
Your specific needs and how they affect your work
Whether you need formal accommodations
Remember, disclosure is entirely your choice! You can start with minimal information and share more as needed.
Reasonable Adjustments Guide
Employers have a legal duty to make "reasonable adjustments" for employees with ADHD. Here are some examples that might help different ADHD presentations:
For focus challenges:
Quiet workspace options or noise-cancelling headphones
Permission to use focus apps or background music
Flexible seating arrangements away from high-traffic areas
Uninterrupted work periods for deep focus tasks
For time management:
Digital planning tools and visual schedules
Regular check-ins with managers for prioritization help
Breaking large projects into smaller, manageable tasks
Extended deadlines when possible
For hyperactivity/restlessness:
Standing desk options
Permission for movement breaks
Fidget tools that don't disturb others
Flexible working positions (sitting, standing, moving)
For executive function support:
Written instructions for complex tasks
Templates for recurring work
Clear, explicit expectations for projects
Task initiation support through body doubling or check-ins
Access to Work Scheme
The Access to Work scheme is brilliant! It provides funding for workplace adjustments that go beyond what's "reasonable" for employers to provide. Here's how to access it:
Visit gov.uk/access-to-work or call 0800 121 7479
Complete the application form with details about your condition and needs
Participate in an assessment (usually a phone call) to discuss your specific workplace challenges
Receive recommendations and potential funding for:
Specialist equipment or software
Support workers or job coaches
Awareness training for colleagues
Travel assistance if you can't use public transport
Success tip: Be specific about how ADHD affects your daily work tasks when applying!
Requesting Accommodations
Approaching your employer about accommodations can feel daunting. Here's a friendly script to help:
"Hi [Manager's name], I'd like to schedule a private chat about some workplace adjustments that would help me perform at my best. I have ADHD, which is covered under the Equality Act, and there are some simple changes that would really improve my productivity and work quality. Could we set aside 30 minutes to discuss this?"
During the meeting:
Focus on specific work tasks and how adjustments would improve performance
Bring documentation if you have it (though it's not always required)
Suggest a trial period for adjustments to demonstrate benefits
Keep the conversation solution-focused rather than problem-focused
Documentation Guidance
While not always required for simple adjustments, documentation can be helpful:
Useful documentation includes:
Diagnostic letter from your psychiatrist
GP letter confirming your diagnosis
Occupational health assessment
Access to Work assessment recommendations
To obtain documentation:
Request copies of your diagnostic assessment
Ask your GP for a supporting letter
Consider a private assessment if NHS waiting lists are long
Look into workplace occupational health assessments
Managing Performance Reviews
Performance reviews can be challenging with ADHD. Try these approaches:
Request regular, brief feedback throughout the year instead of one annual review
Ask to bring notes or have a written agenda beforehand
Suggest a written summary of the review be provided afterward
Focus discussions on specific work outputs rather than working style
Propose ADHD-friendly goal-setting that includes how success will be measured
Legal Protections
If you face discrimination or your adjustment requests are refused:
Document everything in writing, including accommodation requests and responses
Raise concerns informally with your manager or HR first
Use your company's grievance procedure if informal approaches don't work
Seek advice from ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) on 0300 123 1100
Contact the Equality Advisory Support Service for advice on 0808 800 0082
Consider legal advice if discrimination continues (but try internal solutions first!)
Remember that employers must show they've considered adjustments properly before refusing them.
Success Stories
"My employer allowed me to structure my day differently - starting with admin tasks when my medication is most effective, then creative work in the afternoon when I'm more innovative but less focused. It's transformed my productivity!" - Marketing professional in Manchester
"I received noise-cancelling headphones through Access to Work and permission to block focus time in my calendar where colleagues don't book meetings. These two simple changes have dramatically improved my work quality." - Software developer in Edinburgh
"My team now sends meeting agendas in advance with clear action points highlighted. This small change helps me prepare and participate much more effectively." - Project manager in Cardiff
Resources
Employment Rights Support:
ACAS: acas.org.uk - 0300 123 1100
Equality Advisory Support Service: equalityadvisoryservice.com - 0808 800 0082
ADHD-Specific Support:
ADHD UK: adhduk.co.uk
ADHD Foundation: adhdfoundation.org.uk
Access to Work:
Website: gov.uk/access-to-work
Telephone: 0800 121 7479
Remember, you bring unique strengths to your workplace! The right accommodations can help you thrive while contributing your creativity, problem-solving abilities, and unique perspective to your team.
