Prepare Your Disclosure
Before approaching your employer, prepare a clear and concise explanation of ADD, focusing on how it affects your work. Emphasise your strengths and any strategies you use to manage challenges. This preparation helps to frame your disclosure positively and constructively.
Be Clear and Specific About Your Needs
When disclosing ADD, be specific about how it affects your work and what adjustments would help. For example, if you struggle with concentration, you might request a quieter workspace or more frequent breaks. Being clear helps your employer understand your needs and make appropriate adjustments.
Provide Documentation and Evidence
While you don’t need to disclose medical details, providing documentation from a healthcare professional can help substantiate your request for accommodations. This can include a letter or report that outlines how ADD affects your work and the types of support that could be beneficial.
Choose the Right Time and Setting
Disclose your ADD in a private, formal setting rather than in casual or informal conversations. Request a meeting with your manager or HR to ensure that the conversation is taken seriously and that you have their full attention.
Focus on Solutions and Positive Outcomes
Frame your disclosure in terms of solutions and how they can benefit both you and the organisation. For example, explain how a flexible working arrangement can improve your productivity and contribute to better job performance.
Disclosing personal information, particularly regarding health or disability, in the workplace is a significant decision. Navigating disclosure can be challenging, but being well-prepared and informed can help you manage it more effectively.