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Monthly NewsNote
February 2007
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Controlling Distractions in the Workplace: A Guide for ADD Students and Adults
As I talk with students and adults, I've become aware of how much the workplace influences the outcome of the work itself. Distractions, from cellphones to instant messaging, are disruptive to anyone and worse for someone with ADD. So I thought I would discuss homework space and job space, and give some suggestions as to how a better workspace can lead to a more successful performance.
Let's start with elementary school. A child needs a space that is clear of as many distractions as possible. This may be a kitchen or dining room table where he or she can be watched by an adult. When the child's mind begins to wander or he gets up to fidget, mom can calmly put him back on task. Sometimes music can help with the focusing problem. Thus, early on, we set up a workspace with necessary supports, and this should be a good start to getting homework done.
In the middle and high school years it can be difficult to set up a good study area without distractions. As homework time increases, so does to need to focus. That's why it's so important to keep distractions like instant messaging (IM) and text messaging under control. But parents face a real dilemma. A computer is necessary for homework but it can almost defeat the homework effort. But it cannot be banned from the study place. If it is clear that the computer is a distractibility, it should be in another room. The student can go into that room to use it, and do other work without it being there. Remember, the greatest cause for poor school grades is generally due to a homework problem and controlling the workspace is the first place to start.
By the first year of college, students have generally worked out their study space. But let me give you some suggestions in case you are reading this for the 07-08 season. Most of these thoughts come from students themselves. And they will all tell you that the study space is critical for the ADD student.
The best study space is the cubicle in the library. This has to be differentiated from "going to the library" which is the most social place on campus and a total distraction. For instance, Phil told me how he liked to sit at a long study table in the center of the library, watch the girls go by and talk to anyone who stopped. This study plan lead to a 1.9 GPA
I am also told that in many cases, a single room is not the answer to a better study space. Though the door can be closed, people can still knock. And on the inside is TV, music and lots of other distractions. While the single might be good for some, this is not always the case. It's usually the library cubicle or quiet study room that works best.
Let's now look at ADD adults and job space. The same rules are in effect. Distractions that make it hard to focus make it more difficult to work. A place where the adult can focus and think leads to more effective work and often to shorter workdays.
While it is not likely that one will get a choice of job space, it is useful to know the area when interviewing for a job. Let's look at a few situations where space is of great significance:
John graduated from college with a major in finance and with great enthusiasm went to work for a major company. The workspace was a cubicle with two computers and a phone. There were others in cubicles next to him and across from him. There was noise, people on phones and others walking around just to chat. John coped by coming in early and staying late, because at those times it was quiet.
Jane is a nurse who regularly stays an extra hour to get her notes written. Analysis of the problem showed that she was writing the notes in a nurse's station with endless distractions including social contacts. The situation was much improved when she found a quiet space to write the notes, and social interactions were postponed until the work was complete. That saved her an hour each day.
Andy picked a career in sales because it allowed him to move around, do different things so he didn't get bored, and to plan his own time and space. With his ADD this was a good choice for him.
We also need to discuss the home office. Many people regularly work at home, and have a room set aside as an office. I've seen pictures of some of those rooms, and they can only be described as disaster areas. Piles cover the desk and sometimes the floor. "I know where everything is" is the usual comment, and maybe they do. But it certainly is not an efficient work place. Sometimes the ADD adult, with the help of medication, can bring things under control. Others hire a part-time secretary to help organize. Another option is to get a coach to come in for a few visits to help set up systems. It is important to recognize the problem and the fact that solutions might be possible.
In summary, a workplace that helps with focus and reduces distractibility will make the child, adolescent or adult achieve at a higher level. It is of great importance to do what is possible to make the space compatible with attention deficit disorder.
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