This year, MHFA partnered with Henley Business School to publish a new white paper: The business case for belonging.

A recent post on LinkedIn (originally from The Times) discussed the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace and its relation to belonging.

‘Neurodiverse individuals have had to adapt all their lives and are excellent problem solvers, which makes them a huge asset to any team’.

A post from Kate Haplin identifies ‘Simple Strategies to Combat ADHD Brain Strain at Work’ which can support and help develop a real sense of belonging in the workplace.

For some ADHD individuals, the workplace can feel like a battlefield. The constant barrage of stimuli, the pressure to focus & the internal struggle to prioritise tasks can lead to a debilitating state of exhaustion. This is more than a feeling of being overwhelmed; it’s a genuine neurological experience of being pulled and tugged in countless directions, leaving the individual exhausted. This constant mental tug-of-war results in significant cognitive fatigue, impacting productivity, self-esteem & overall well-being.

Create a Structured Environment:

• Time Blocking: Schedule specific blocks of time for different tasks, including breaks. This helps create a sense of structure & predictability.
• Minimise Distractions: utilise noise-cancelling headphones & quiet spaces, close unnecessary tabs and notifications.
• Organise You Workspace: A clean and organised workspace can reduce visual distractions & promote a sense of calm.

Break Down Tasks and Prioritise:

• Break large projects into smaller more manageable steps.
• Use methods like the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent/important) to prioritise tasks & focus on what matters most.
• Visual reminders can help stay on track & reduce the mental load of remembering everything.

Implement Time Management Strategies:

• The Pomodoro Technique: Work in bursts of 25 minutes, followed by short breaks.
• Set Realistic Deadlines: Avoid overcommitting & allow for buffer time.
• Use Time-Tracking Apps: These tools can help visualise how time is spent and identify areas for improvement.

Manage Sensory Overload:

Take Regular Breaks: Step away from your desk to stretch, walk, or simply breathe.

Sensory Tools: Use fidget toys or other sensory tools to provide tactile stimulation & reduce restlessness.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness techniques to calm the mind & reduce stress.

Communicate and Collaborate:

• Open Communication: Talk to your manager about what strategies you find helpful.
• Delegate When Possible: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or delegate tasks when appropriate.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference in reducing mental fatigue & unlocking your full potential.

Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.

The Mental Health Foundation will be providing expert information and guidance on how community supports good mental health, providing ideas for how to cultivate mentally healthy communities, sharing inspiring stories from communities across the UK, and encouraging people and organisations to get involved with activities and events.