Stigma surrounding ADHD is leading to many women and non-binary people living with the condition feeling they must hide their diagnosis in the workplace,i according to a new survey initiated and funded by Takeda for the Staring Back at Me campaign.
96% of people surveyed living with ADHD in the UK said they are reluctant to bring up their diagnosis in the workplace,i 73% said this was due to fear of judgement and 49% thought it could be used against them, potentially as a barrier to promotion.i
Even though ADHD affects an estimated 2.6 million people in the UK[i] over two thirds of those surveyed think people with ADHD are at a disadvantage in the workplace.i This figure is even higher for non-binary people, at 93%.i
83% of women and 79% of non-binary people surveyed believed there’s a stigma associated with ADHD.i Women tend to be diagnosed later in life, which adds to the stigma.[ii], [iii] It can therefore lead women to mask their symptoms and hide how they are truly feeling from those around them.iii, iv
Professor Amanda Kirby, Chair of the ADHD Foundation, commented:
When a workplace is supportive and aware of women with ADHD traits, it allows those with the condition to unmask and be their true selves. This opens the door to employers gaining the benefits from new ways of thinking and new ideas. We hope this latest research by Takeda can support employers to take action to create a more inclusive workplace for all.
Professor Amanda Kirby, Chair of the ADHD Foundation
To bring the issue to life, Takeda teamed up with Savile Row tailor, Gormley and Gamble, and Illustrator Ana Jaks to create unique suit jackets that represent the invisible nature of ADHD in the workplace. On the outside, the suit looks like any other, but the illustrations in the silk lining tell the story of the two ambassadors wearing them, Kim To and Jenny Mclaughlin. Specifically, the illustrations focus on their experience of living with ADHD at work. From time-blindness to hyperfocus; masking and daydreaming; the symbolism throughout each illustration shows the complexity of living with the condition at work.
Several solutions were also suggested within the new survey. Three quarters (75%) of women surveyed and 79% of non-binary people surveyed think increased awareness of ADHD and symptoms is needed in the workplace to improve inclusivity for those with ADHD.i They also said staff culture is key (53%) for women and 48% believe personalised career paths should be created to match the person and their specific needs.i
By following these insights and using available resources to improve workplace practices for neurodivergent employees, or prospective employees, it is possible for employers to help combat the stigma people with the condition feel and create a working environment where women and non-binary people feel included and supported.
References
[i] ADHD UK. What is ADHD? Available at: What is ADHD – About ADHD (adhduk.co.uk) [last accessed October 2024]
[ii] Young, S., Adamo, N., Ásgeirsdóttir, B.B. et al. Females with ADHD: An expert consensus statement taking a lifespan approach providing guidance for the identification and treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in girls and women. BMC Psychiatry 20, 404 (2020) [last accessed October 2024].
[iii] Walters, A. (2018), Girls with ADHD: Underdiagnosed and untreated. The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter. 34(11):8-8. [last accessed October 2024].
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.
