ADHD: Beyond the Stereotypes in the Workplace

The accounting industry has long been associated with precision, structure and attention to detail—qualities that might seem at odds with the traits commonly linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

But here’s the thing: Those of us with ADHD bring a different kind of value to the table.  

Breaking down ADHD presentations 

To understand how ADHD shapes our workplace experiences, it’s helpful to start with the basics. ADHD isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. It’s categorized into three main presentations, which help explain why no two people with ADHD are exactly alike. 

• Inattentive presentation: This one’s all about struggling to focus, stay organized, and finish what you start. Think of someone who’s juggling multiple projects but has a hard time prioritizing or following through because their attention keeps shifting. It’s not about lack of effort; it’s about how their brain processes the task at hand. 

• Hyperactive-impulsive presentation: This is what most people think of when they hear “ADHD”—that restless energy, the need to move, and the tendency to speak or act without thinking. Picture someone in a meeting who’s tapping their pen, bouncing their leg, or blurting out ideas mid-sentence because they are struggling to hold back. 

• Combined presentation: As the name suggests, this is a mix of both. It’s the challenge of staying on track paired with that restless drive to keep moving. In a work setting, it might look like starting a dozen tasks at once but struggling to complete any of them because you’re constantly pulled in different directions.
  

Once we understand these broad categories, it’s easier to see how ADHD plays out in the real world. These presentations may overlap or combine in unique ways, creating a spectrum of experiences that shape how we approach work and life. 

The spectrum of symptoms 

Many people without ADHD may struggle with or experience distraction, procrastination or feelings of restlessness from time to time. For those of us with ADHD, we are experiencing a range of symptoms associated with our type of ADHD on a day-to-day basis.   

Traits like inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity are well-known, but they’re just part of the story. On the other hand, there are lesser-known traits that can make it harder for others to recognize ADHD, but they are just as impactful on how someone engages with tasks, interacts with colleagues, or even managing their energy throughout the day.  

Taken as a whole, the mix of symptoms feel more like a puzzle, with each piece fitting differently for each individual.  

For me, time blindness has been a constant challenge—I often underestimate how long tasks will take or lose track of deadlines. Auditory processing issues make multi-threaded conversations in meetings feel like noise, requiring extra effort to follow along.  

Verbal impulsivity has also been a hurdle. Before my diagnosis, I struggled with blurting out thoughts, but awareness has helped me learn to pause before speaking. Chronic restlessness often means I’m constantly shifting in my seat or tapping my foot during long meetings to stay engaged. It’s not about being distracted; it’s my way of channeling energy to maintain focus and productivity.

Heightened sensitivity to injustice means I often feel a strong urge to address unfairness when I see it. While this can drive meaningful advocacy, it sometimes complicates navigating the subtleties of office politics.  

Structure and routines have become my anchor, not out of rigidity but as a way to mitigate distraction and manage the mental chaos.  And that's just part of what my ADHD puzzle looks like. No two people with ADHD share the same experiences. For some, hyperfocus can lead to incredible breakthroughs, while for others, the same task may feel paralyzing due to the sheer number of options or steps involved.  

It’s this variability—affected by stress, interest, or even time of day—that makes ADHD so dynamic and deeply personal. 

Looking closer

ADHD isn’t a flaw or a weakness—it’s just a different way of being. In the workplace, understanding and embracing neurodiversity makes all the difference. It’s about recognizing that everyone’s brain works differently and that these differences drive innovation, creativity and stronger teams. 

Next week, we'll dispel the myths associated with ADHD and take a closer look at why a little bit of understanding can go a long way.