To tell or not to tell.
Many people with ADHD continually ask themselves that question about ADHD and the workplace. Should they tell their boss and coworkers about their ADHD diagnosis — because it might improve understanding and allow them to do their job better? Or should they keep it to themselves — because revealing it will open them up to real job discrimination?
It’s a vexing question. With no easy answers.
A 2022 survey conducted of more than 1,000 employers and employees in Australia found that 40 percent of the respondents with ADHD hadn’t told their employers about their ADHD. Almost nine in 10 employers responding to the survey — 88% — said they would accommodate employess with ADHD. But only 62% of the employers had policies in place to support people with ADHD.
Meanwhile, 72% of employees with ADHD said they felt the ADHD had hurt their careers.
So, should you tell? Experts seem to come down firmly on “it depends.” But many of them lean toward “don’t tell.” That’s because, these experts say, you might be able to get the work accommodations you need without specifically revealing your ADHD diagnosis. And it’s because job discrimination against people with ADHD can be real.
ADHD Online has explored this important question — and all of the knotty issues — in more detail with experts.
