Here’s another reason for tech execs to get to know their employees better. ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder often associated with children and young adults, can persist into adulthood. If an employee consistently struggles with task completion, punctuality, and presenting content, they may be dealing with ADHD.
ADHD impairs executive function and self-regulation skills. It’s a common affliction but having it doesn’t mean an employee can’t excel. Recognition and a supportive environment are crucial for success. Employees may be unaware they have the disorder, but signs like difficulty concentrating, staying organized, and managing time are noticeable. It affects work and personal life.
Why is this important for a tech exec to understand? It was shown that many kids doing school virtually during the pandemic saw a significant drop in their GPA, even though these kids were top students. It was shown that many of these kids did not have peer stimulation, which helped them stay focused when they were live in school. Without the stimulation they could not pay attention and were easily distracted.
Now that the work world is in a hybrid environment, many employees still work virtually. Some tech execs want to bring people back to the office due to observed drops in performance. Instead of immediate disciplinary actions, consider their past history with the company. If they were previously good workers, they may not be suitable for the virtual world. Bring them into the office to engage with others and enhance their performance.
We don’t want employees using ADHD as an excuse for poor performance. But it’s something to consider before disciplining an employee who has had a good record of performance.
See more about ADHD here.