There's a beautiful irony in writing about ADHD at 10.32pm while fighting the urge to check Instagram, tackle my ignored parking fines, or reorganize my desk. But here I am, because this conversation matters – not just for our workplace, but for the future of work itself.

Recently, our team at RUSH had the privilege of learning from ADHD coach Ani Møller during a lunch and learn session that opened my eyes to something we've long suspected: the creative & problem-solving industry isn't just accommodating of ADHD – it might actually be powered by it.

The Creative Connection

Did you know ADHD affects between 5-10% of the population? That number tends to skew higher in creative industries, and it's not hard to see why. The same characteristics that can make traditional office environments challenging – rapid-fire thinking, intense focus on interests, and the ability to make unexpected connections – are often superpowers in creative problem-solving.

Think about it: in a world where "think outside the box" has become a tired cliché, many people with ADHD respond with "what box?" Their natural tendency to approach problems from unique angles and see connections others might miss isn't just valuable – it's essential for innovation.

Beyond the Stereotypes

Let's clear something up: ADHD isn't about an inability to focus. It's about inconsistent regulation of attention and executive functions. During our session with Ani, she explained how executive functions – those mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks – work differently in ADHD brains.

This hit home for me. As someone who's worked with creative teams for over fifteen years, I've seen firsthand how different minds approach problems differently. The key isn't to "fix" these differences – it's to create an environment where they can flourish.

Making Space for Different Minds

At RUSH, we're learning that supporting ADHD isn't about massive overhauls – it's about thoughtful adjustments and understanding. Some practical approaches we're exploring:

Time Management Reimagined

Environment Design

Communication Clarity

The Bigger Picture

This isn't just about ADHD – it's about recognizing that different brains work differently, and that's a good thing. In the tech and creative space, we're constantly pushing boundaries and seeking new solutions. Why wouldn't we want diverse thinking styles on our teams?

The future of work isn't about forcing everyone into the same mold – it's about creating environments where different types of minds can contribute their unique strengths. Sometimes that means someone might pace during meetings, or need to work with their headphones on, or require written follow-ups after verbal discussions.

Making Better Happen

As we continue to evolve our understanding and support of neurodiversity at RUSH, one thing becomes clear: this isn't about simply accommodation. It's about recognising that these different ways of thinking and working are valuable assets in our industry.

When we create workplaces that support diverse thinking styles, we're not just helping individual employees – we're fostering an environment where innovation can flourish. And in an industry that thrives on breaking new ground and solving complex problems, that's not just good ethics – it's good business.

The challenge now isn't just to accommodate different ways of thinking – it's to celebrate them. Because sometimes the most valuable perspectives come from minds that work a little differently.