How to request reasonable adjustments when switching jobsÂ
Starting a new job can be exciting, but for adults with ADHD, it can also raise questions about how and when to ask for workplace adjustments. Planning your approach early helps ensure that you begin in an environment that supports focus, confidence, and wellbeing.
Why adjustments matter during transitions
According to NICE guidance NG87, reasonable adjustments are central to successful employment outcomes for adults with ADHD. These can include flexible working, regular check-ins, and structured feedback systems. The NHS England ADHD Taskforce (2025) also highlights that transitions, such as switching roles or employers, are high-risk periods for stress and underperformance if support is not established early.
Evidence from Frontiers in Psychology (2022) shows that ADHD adults who communicate their needs clearly and proactively experience greater job satisfaction and stability, especially when new employers receive guidance on neurodiversity-inclusive practices.
How to prepare for the conversation
Begin by identifying which adjustments have helped you succeed before. This might include flexible hours, clear deadlines, or noise-reducing environments. Having specific examples ready shows confidence and clarity. According to Healthwatch UK (2025), most challenges arise not from unwilling employers, but from uncertainty about what support looks like in practice.
You do not need to share every detail of your diagnosis. Focus on what enables you to perform at your best. Employers have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to provide reasonable adjustments, and many appreciate when employees frame requests around productivity and collaboration rather than limitation.
Getting extra support
If you are unsure how to phrase your request, ADHD-informed coaching or occupational health advice can help. Private services such as ADHD Certify can provide assessment and review documentation that may assist with adjustment discussions during onboarding. Some workplaces also have access to Access to Work schemes, offering funding for equipment, coaching, or other forms of tailored support.
The takeaway
Requesting adjustments when changing jobs is not asking for special treatment, but for fairness and success. Clear communication, self-awareness, and a collaborative mindset help adults with ADHD start strong and thrive in new environments.
