Ep.142 - Understanding ADHD in the Workplace with Dr. Andrew Wilson

What we covered in our chat

In this episode of the Well Workplaces Podcast, I sat down with Andrew Wilson, psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer at Medibank to unpack a topic that’s becoming increasingly relevant in our professional lives, ADHD in adults, and how it shows up in the workplace.

With more people starting to reflect on their focus, productivity and mental health, the topic of adult ADHD is coming up more frequently, whether it’s through social media, in casual conversations, or after a family member receives a diagnosis. It felt like the right time to have a conversation grounded in clinical insight to better understand what ADHD really looks like, how it impacts working adults, and what the path forward can look like.

How ADHD shows up at work

Andrew broke down the three types of ADHD - inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity¹, and explained how these often manifest in professional settings. For example, constantly forgetting tasks, procrastinating on important projects, or struggling to filter out noise in meetings can all be signs of ADHD.

One point that really stuck with me was how many adults go undiagnosed for years, sometimes decades. It’s only when their kids go through an assessment process that they start to connect the dots themselves. Andrew also highlighted the concerning secondary impacts that can arise when ADHD goes untreated, such as anxiety, depression, and even substance misuse ², often stemming from the ongoing daily challenges it presents at home and at work.

ADHD and working from home

We spoke about how COVID and the shift to flexible work might have accelerated awareness. Without the structure of an office environment, many people, especially those with ADHD,  found it harder to stay on track. Andrew noted that the flexible work model, while great in many ways, isn’t ideal for everyone, particularly if you need external structure to perform at your best.

Could this be me?

For those who suspect they might have ADHD, Andrew recommends getting professionally assessed ³. For some, medication can be helpful, particularly for moderate to severe cases, but it’s not a silver bullet. A diagnosis doesn’t mean a lifelong prescription.

We also talked about the importance of self-reflection and developing proactive strategies such as building structure into your day, using tools like task lists and leaning on trusted colleagues or partners for accountability. It was a good reminder for me that it’s not just about the “fix” but about understanding yourself better and showing up more intentionally in all areas of life.

Making ADHD your superpower

One of the most interesting parts of our chat was around people with ADHD who absolutely thrive in leadership roles, especially in creative or entrepreneurial spaces. I shared my experience with founders or CEOs that refer to their ADHD as a superpower. Andrew reinforced that when people are self-aware and supported, ADHD can unlock big-picture thinking, energy, and innovation.

We also touched on leadership and team design, and how organisations are embracing neurodiversity through inclusive practices and by educating managers. Having someone with ADHD on your team can be an asset, especially when paired with the right structure and support.

Final Thoughts

If you're a manager or team leader, one of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is the importance of awareness and flexibility. ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone, and with the right understanding and support, individuals with ADHD can bring enormous value to a team, especially in roles that require creativity, lateral thinking and energy.

Written by Tom Bosna
July 2025

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