Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can feel like a whirlwind of thoughts, ideas, and distractions that never quite settle. Not only do you unintentionally find yourself having a million tabs open on your laptop, but also a thousand more open in your head.
The mind becomes a buzzing beehive, and the daily task of focusing on work often feels like an uphill battle. Yet, in the eye of this mental whirlwind lies an incredible power: the ability to hyperfocus. Something most working adults crave.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults, characterized by difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
According to the CDC, as of 2016, approximately 6.1 million children were diagnosed with ADHD in the United States alone, and the number of adults diagnosed continues to rise.
The cause of the rise in diagnosed cases?
While research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that certain environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins or certain prenatal and early-life conditions, may have a role in the development of ADHD. However, the extent of their influence and relationship to the rise in diagnosis is not yet fully understood.
With ADHD impacting so many working professionals on a daily basis, we wanted to ask, can coworking spaces be beneficial for those grappling with ADHD?
Turns out there might be a glimpse of home for working professionals struggling with the disorder.
Dynamic environments like coworking spaces provide a structured workspace devoid of home-based distractions.
No unwashed dishes screaming for attention, no sudden desire to reorganize your bookshelf alphabetically, just a dedicated, quiet space to work. Furthermore, the communal aspect of coworking spaces can help promote accountability, a known tactic in managing ADHD symptoms.
A study by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 2019 found that workers operating in coworking spaces reported higher levels of thriving, defined as vitality and learning at work. This sense of thriving could be particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD, who often thrive on external stimulation and dynamic environments.
Moreover, coworking spaces inherently offer variety - something that can be quite appealing to an ADHD mind. With different areas to work, from bustling common areas to quiet corners, it can provide the change of scenery that can help refocus attention quickly.
We've heard the theory, but let's look at the real-world impact.
Consider James, a graphic designer for a large tech company diagnosed with ADHD. Traditional office environments left him feeling boxed in and tied to one space for 8+ hours a day, while working from home presented endless distractions, especially with a few kiddos running around. Upon discovering a local coworking space, James experienced a significant productivity boost. The change in environment helped him manage his hyperfocus effectively, turning it into a superpower rather than an obstacle.
Then there's Lisa, an entrepreneur in the ecommerce space with ADHD. She found the structured yet dynamic environment of coworking spaces a catalyst for her creativity. She appreciated the ability to switch between quiet and communal areas depending on her focus level and task at hand.
Coworking spaces, in essence, are not just about providing a desk or high-speed internet. They are about fostering a supportive community, promoting mental well-being, and creating an environment that can adapt to various work styles. For individuals with ADHD, these spaces can unlock their hyperfocus potential, and turn what is often viewed as a challenge into a strength.
Coworking spaces are proving to be more than just a trend in the future of work - they are a tool that can help individuals with ADHD tap into their fullest potential. As our understanding of neurodiversity grows, so should our work environments evolve to cater to different brain types. The buzzing beehive of thoughts doesn't have to be a storm to weather; within it lies the sweet honey of hyperfocus, waiting to be harnessed in the right environment.
At Venture X, LoDo, Denver North, and Greenwood Village, we offer an array of clean, modern, and comfortable working environments to inspire productivity. Members can choose to work from private offices, communal areas, dedicated desks, and quiet nooks.
Schedule a tour today and learn if coworking could be the catalyst for your creativity.
