Time management is a problem as old as, well… time. It’s something every person on the planet encounters challenges with on some level. But it can be especially difficult for neurodivergent people to develop time management strategies that work for us.
People with conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia can experience symptoms that impact the way we perceive and interact with time.
For example, some people with ADHD may deal with time blindness, making it difficult to gauge the passing of time accurately. Others may experience time anxiety and constantly feel like there’s not enough time to complete tasks. Chronic lateness, procrastination and periods of hyperfocus are also connected to the way we experience and manage our time.
In the workplace, the time management challenges that neurodivergent people face can seriously impact career mobility. Employees who don’t develop time management strategies that work for them are more likely to lose jobs and be passed over for promotion. Misunderstandings around time can also affect relationships with colleagues. This is most commonly true in workplaces that fail to implement neuro-inclusive practices and cultures.
Ultimately, it’s important that workplaces put systems in place from a foundation of understanding, respect and empathy for everyone’s experiences. But some elements of work, like showing up to meetings on time and meeting deadlines will always be something neurodivergent people have to navigate.
There’s no one-stop solution for time management challenges. We know from working with our clients that everyone’s strategies look different – and what works today might not work tomorrow.
But the crucial first step to developing a time-management strategy is the same for everyone: you need to acknowledge and understand your relationship with time.
And you might need help with that.
We recommend reviewing your experience with an expert – someone who can help you ask the right questions about your relationship with time and start to understand the next steps to take.
Because of the shame that can be attached to time management challenges, people are discouraged from seeking help and instead mask. But there are supportive, impactful services out there you can rely on to help you develop and improve your time management skills. And you deserve to feel empowered to seek out the help you need to feel more confident at work.
At Send it to Alex, we specialise in supporting neurodivergent and disabled people to find time management strategies that work for them. If that sounds like something that could benefit you, book a chat with us today – we’d love to make time to talk to you.
