Navigating Working Memory Challenges in the Workplace: Strategies for Employees and Employers with ADHD
What is Working Memory?
Working memory is a widely used term in psychology that refers to our ability to hold and use information for short periods. For example, it helps you remember where you placed your keys or recall someone's name you met at a networking event, whether it was ten minutes or the night before. For many individuals with ADHD, differences in the frontal lobe make this ability a significant challenge. This is because the core of working memory lies in the brain's prefrontal cortex, which functions atypically in those with ADHD. Retaining information can be taxing but not impossible.
Do you find it hard to follow through on tasks that require holding and using multiple pieces of information? Do you find following verbal directions challenging to recall once it's time to execute the tasks? Does planning or executing a project feel daunting when you are attempting to organize tasks in your mind?
At work, this can manifest in several ways:
Information Retention: Difficulty retaining information can lead to errors and the need to revisit tasks, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Task Execution: Struggling to keep relevant information in mind can result in incomplete or poorly executed tasks, affecting overall performance and job satisfaction.
Multitasking Challenges: Juggling multiple tasks simultaneously can lead to confusion and decreased productivity.
An employee with a working memory challenge can also significantly impact an organization. Employers may need to consider the following:
Training and Onboarding: Employees with ADHD may require more time and support during training and onboarding processes to ensure they can retain and apply new information effectively.
Efficiency: Inconsistent working memory capabilities can lead to inefficiencies and the need for additional oversight or repeated instructions.
Team Collaboration: Miscommunications and forgotten details can impact team collaboration and project timelines.
As noted earlier, this is not a challenge that can't be addressed and should not be a reason for an employer to avoid hiring someone with ADHD. Everyone has strong and weaker executive functions.
Accommodations for Employees
Memory Aids: Utilize tools like sticky notes, digital reminders, and note-taking apps to keep important information readily accessible.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and create checklists to ensure nothing is forgotten.
Regular Breaks: Taking short breaks can help reset the working memory, making it easier to return to tasks with a fresh perspective.
Accommodations for Employers
Clear Communication: Provide written instructions and summaries of key points to reinforce verbal communication.
Structured Environment: Create a structured work environment with clear expectations and regular routines to reduce cognitive load.
Training and Support: Offer additional training and support to help employees develop strategies for improving their working memory.
Promote Understanding: Educate the team about working memory and its impact on job performance to foster a supportive work culture.
Flexible Approaches: Adopt flexible approaches to task management that accommodate different working memory capacities.
Leverage Technology: Implement technology solutions that support memory retention and task management.
Working memory is a critical component of cognitive function that plays a significant role in task management and productivity. Understanding the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD in this area can help create a more inclusive and efficient workplace. By valuing each person’s unique brain wiring and providing the necessary support and accommodations, we can maximize productivity and ensure everyone’s contribution is recognized and appreciated.
