And what can employers do to support employees before they reach that point?
ADHD and stress feed each other—symptoms make stress harder to manage, and chronic stress makes symptoms worse. Over time, this cycle can lead to burnout if not interrupted with support and strategies.
A client once told me, “By the time I finish reading my emails, I already feel behind for the day.” For adults with ADHD, workplaces that demand constant shifting between tasks, long meetings, and endless administrative details can quickly lead to burnout (Kessler et al., 2005). What takes extra effort for the ADHD brain—like filtering distractions or organizing paperwork—means these employees are often working harder just to keep up (Barkley, Murphy, & Fischer, 2008).
When this effort is sustained without support, exhaustion builds. That’s why employers must recognize ADHD not as a weakness but as part of neurodiversity that requires thoughtful accommodations. Providing clear priorities prevents wasted energy. Allowing flexible schedules lets people work during their natural focus peaks. Creating spaces free of constant interruption, or permitting tools like noise-canceling headphones, can make a huge difference (Maslach & Leiter, 2016).
The same client, once given permission to block out two hours of uninterrupted work each morning, told me, “It feels like I finally have room to breathe.”
Burnout prevention isn’t about “fixing” the employee—it’s about shaping workplaces where different kinds of brains can thrive.
About the Author
Dr. Adwoa Akhu is a licensed psychologist, author, and trainer specializing in stress resilience, burnout prevention, and ADHD support. She blends science, compassion, and practical tools to help people thrive.
References
- Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20311
- Kessler, R. C., Adler, L., Barkley, R., et al. (2005). The prevalence and effects of adult ADHD on work performance in a nationally representative sample of workers. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 47(6), 565–572.
- Barkley, R. A., Murphy, K. R., & Fischer, M. (2008). ADHD in adults: What the science says. Guilford Press.