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Why do ADHD employees forget meeting details? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Phoebe Carter, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

If you often leave a meeting feeling confident, only to later forget key points or actions, you’re not alone. According to NHS guidance on living with ADHD (2024), these moments are not about carelessness or lack of professionalism. They’re symptoms of executive dysfunction, a neurological difference that affects memory, attention, and processing speed. 

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The brain behind workplace forgetfulness 

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (2023) explains that adults with ADHD often experience working memory difficulties; the mental “scratchpad” used to hold information while processing it. In busy meetings, the brain can struggle to track multiple threads of conversation, switch attention, and capture key details. Add distractions or fast-paced discussions, and information simply slips away. 

The NICE Guideline NG87 (2023 update) notes that ADHD can also affect time-blindness and processing capacity, leading to missed details or confusion about follow-ups. This can cause anxiety, guilt, and self-doubt, especially in professional settings where precision is valued. 

What the research shows 

A 2023 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that distraction, processing overload, and time-blindness are key reasons adults with ADHD struggle to retain meeting content. Participants who used structured note-taking methods, visual reminders, or collaborative memory tools (like shared digital boards) reported better recall and confidence. 

A Lancet Psychiatry review (2022) confirmed that CBT, ADHD coaching, and environmental supports; such as clear written summaries and visual cues significantly improve information retention. These approaches help reduce the emotional toll of memory lapses, promoting understanding over self-blame. 

Practical workplace strategies that help 

NHS, NICE, and RCPsych experts recommend combining structure with compassion, both from employees and employers: 

  • Request written summaries: Ask for agendas and follow-up notes to reduce memory pressure. 
  • Use digital reminders: Calendar alerts or note apps help anchor new information. 
  • Take notes visually: Colour-coded or bullet-point systems improve recall. 
  • Reduce distractions: Choose seating away from noise or visual clutter. 
  • Review before and after: Briefly preview and recap meeting goals to reinforce memory. 

Workplaces can also provide reasonable adjustments, such as extra time for documentation or access to coaching. Private services like ADHD Certify offer post-diagnostic coaching to help adults develop focus, note-taking, and planning systems tailored to professional environments. 

Key Takeaway 

Forgetting meeting details isn’t a reflection of competence; it’s part of how ADHD affects memory and processing. With structure, tools, and understanding, employees with ADHD can thrive; remembering what matters and rebuilding confidence at work. 

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Phoebe Carter, MSc
Author

Phoebe Carter is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She has experience working with both children and adults, conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapies. Phoebe specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as mood, anxiety, psychotic, and personality disorders. She is skilled in CBT, behaviour modification, ABA, and motivational interviewing, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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