3 Ways to Stay Organized at Work With ADHD

Staying organized at work can be daunting, especially for someone with ADHD.  Though some days it may feel nearly impossible to stay on track, if you’re in need of an organizational overhaul, here are three simple, tried-and-true ways to start!

Use a Planner

Are you having trouble remembering your scheduled appointments? It’s been said a hundred times for good reason: Using a planner is one of the most important things you can do to stay organized at work. Having a planner at work will enable you to keep track of appointments and go about your day in a more intentional way. Plan and schedule even small commitments to yourself such as breaking for lunch. Be creative by color-coding your planner or using stickers and illustrations to mark important deadlines.

Schedule a Specific Time for Returning Calls

Are people calling or emailing you to ask whether or not you received their calls? Talk about a stomach-dropping reminder! The mind of someone with ADHD is constantly shifting.  Having a specific time for returning calls will alleviate the stress from your already busy day and keep interruptions at bay.

Take Notes at Meetings

Are you going to meetings and forgetting what your boss has said? Trying to remember everything takes up unnecessary space in your head and can lead to stress and tension throughout the day. Ask if you can audio record meetings or tell the meeting leader that you work best when you take notes during meetings. Be creative with note-taking by using color coding, mind maps or drawing illustrations to help you remember important points. Your day at work will be easier and your brain will thank you for the reprieve!

Conclusion

Staying organized starts with small changes; even your co-workers will notice the difference. By committing to these three steps, not only will you feel better, your productivity will soar.

Frequented Asked Questions

Which type of planner works best for someone with ADHD?

There is no single type of planner that works best for everyone with ADHD. Choose one that lets you schedule small commitments and use visual cues, such as colour-coding, stickers, or illustrations, to highlight important deadlines.

How many times a day should someone with ADHD batch calls and emails?

There is no fixed number. Choose a specific time, or a small number of set times, for returning calls and emails so they do not interrupt your focus throughout the day.

What if I cannot take written notes fast enough in a meeting?

Ask the meeting leader if you can audio record the conversation. You can also use colour-coding, mind maps, keywords, or illustrations to capture important points without writing complete sentences.

Do ADHD organization strategies still work if symptoms are severe?

They can, but it may help to start with one small strategy instead of overhauling your entire routine. For example, begin by using a planner, scheduling a time to return calls, or finding a note-taking method that works for you.

Will coworkers or managers notice if I use ADHD organization tools openly at work?

They may notice that you are more organized, but tools such as planners, reminders, and visual notes are commonly used by people with and without ADHD. If you want to record a meeting, ask the meeting leader for permission first.