Strengths and challenges to embrace attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in employment—A systematic review

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a significant impact on psychosocial and occupational functioning. Sixty-five percent of children with ADHD continue to meet full or partial diagnostic criteria for ADHD in adulthood, and an estimated 4% of the workforce has a diagnosis of ADHD. We performed a systematic literature review to understand the experience of ADHD in the workplace. Articles were included in the systematic literature review if they reported results on employment outcomes of adults with ADHD. Methodological quality assessment was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Seventy-nine studies were included in this systematic literature review ( n ADHD = 68,275). Results were synthesized into four categories: challenges, strengths, adaptations, and sex differences. Eight themes were included: ADHD symptoms at work, workplace performance, job satisfaction, maladaptive work thoughts and behaviors, interpersonal relationships at work, personal strengths, embracing ADHD, person-environment fit, and accommodations and support. Workers with ADHD can adapt and thrive in employment with the right person-environment fit, and accommodations and support. Many challenges related to ADHD can be remodeled into assets in a workplace environment that promotes flexible working practices and openness to neurodiversity. Lay abstractAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) interferes with many important adult life outcomes such as employment. This paper presents a full review of past studies on the topic of ADHD and employment to help researchers and nonresearchers alike to better understand the experience of ADHD in the workplace. Articles were included in this review if they reported at least one employment outcome of individuals with ADHD. Seventy-nine studies were included in this review, which totaled the workplace experiences of 68,275 individuals with ADHD across 22 countries. The results were synthesized into four main categories of challenges, strengths, adaptations, and sex differences. The three first categories were further subdivided into eight themes: ADHD symptoms at work, workplace performance, job satisfaction, maladaptive work thoughts and behaviors, interpersonal relationships at work, personal strengths, embracing ADHD, person-environment fit, and accommodations and support. Our results demonstrate that workers with ADHD can adapt and thrive in employment with the right person-environment fit, and accommodations and support. Many challenges related to ADHD can be remodeled as assets in a workplace environment that fosters acceptance, flexible working practices, and openness to neurodiversity.Registration: Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/RBNF4).