CONTEXT

In a previous post, I spoke about being a neurodivergent in a 'start-up' environment. In this post, we’ll talk about being a neurodivergent in a larger company.

From experience, the "larger" companies have the better facilities to accommodate my neurodivergent needs.

My jobs in the larger companies have been different in terms of:

• The work-life balance

• Stress management

I'll define that as companies generating annual revenues over $30m.

DEEP DIVE

1) Flexible Working

From experience, most of the bigger companies operate at least 35 hours per week, with a start time between 8 am and 10.30 am and a 4 pm to 6 pm finish time.

Unwritten rule:

i) At the managers’ discretion and

ii) Subject to whether the work deliverables are met.

In the last start-up I worked in, it was rigid; 8 am start till 5:30 pm finish. In that setting, the company was lean and needed everyone in the office together.

There was no working from home. On the one hand, I loved it because it gave me a daily routine, which is super helpful for a neurodivergent. On the other hand, it was tiring after a while.

2) Work adjustments and equipment:

i) Stand-up desks

As someone with ADHD, one of my symptoms is that I tend to fidget a lot, especially if I'm anxious about a particular task.

Each time I feel that I'm in a state of anxiety and in fidget mode, I adjust my standing desk. What I find is that I fidget to the point where I'm kind of tired and I can eventually lower my desk to sit down as I've calmed down, enabling me to focus and do some work!

The larger companies tend to have these desks which inspired me to get one at home.

ii) Noise-cancelling headphones:

This has been a game changer and helps me reduce my distractions, enabling me to lock in and stay in the zone, with my ADHD hyperfocus. You may be able to get one of these from the larger companies.

3. Cognitive behavioural techniques

The larger companies tend to have an Employee Assistant Programme (EAP) that can be helpful for us neurodivergents, in particular, it deals with:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Work-life balance

• Emotional wellbeing

• Managing Neurodivergence in the workplace

• Therapy

At the moment I'm currently doing Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT) every week. I've found it very helpful and I'll share more on this in future posts.

4. Work and Support Groups/Community

Subject to how comfortable you feel about coming out with your neurodifference. Some bigger companies have workplace support groups where you can share your challenges, concerns, etc.

I'm currently part of the neurodiverse community at work, where we all share:

• Our diagnosis

• Our challenges and

• Strengths

It's a wonderful breath of fresh air. It's generally a safe environment where we can all be vulnerable and learn from each other.

To know that you're not alone and there are other people with different neuro differences i.e. Autism, Dyslexia and more is helpful.

I've had a handful of these meet-ups so far and plan to have more in the future.

5. Regular Breaks

When working in the office I have so many rooms at my disposal for recharging.

• Meeting rooms

• Booths

• Prayer rooms

So each time work is overwhelming or I've got a lot on, I tend to go into one of these rooms for a few minutes- preferably the booth; to get a breather.

RECAP

1. There are benefits to working in larger companies as a neurodivergent

2. Larger companies will most likely offer High Tech equipment for neurodivergents

3. EAP and support groups in big companies provide essential mental health resources and a sense of community for neurodivergent employees.

4. Access to various quiet spaces for regular breaks helps neurodivergent employees recharge and manage stress effectively in larger company environments.

MEME OF THE WEEK

Finally,

Stay Different,

The ADHD Exec

Disclaimer: I am not your psychiatrist, coach, doctor. Neurodiverse Diary does not provide medical services or professional counselling and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Everything I publish represents my opinions, experience, not advice.