ADHD has rewired the workplace. This is what it means for bosses and workers
A UK employment tribunal ruled in favor of a Lidl manager who was unfairly dismissed, highlighting the need for employers to provide reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent staff. The case underscores the growing importance of understanding ADHD-related communication differences in the workplace.
Why it matters
As ADHD diagnoses rise, businesses face increasing legal and ethical pressure to adapt management practices to support neurodivergent employees.
ADHD has rewired the workplace. This is what it means for bosses and workers
By Esyllt Carr Business reporter Taking one of the UK's biggest grocery chains to an employment tribunal was something that Ryan Toghill says almost took over his life.
"It was all I could think about for 18 months and more," he says.
The deputy store manager at Lidl, who'd told his bosses he'd been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), was called to a disciplinary meeting after breaking company rules by using equipment he hadn't been trained to use. After that meeting, Ryan was dismissed for gross misconduct.
He successfully appealed the decision and was offered a lower-paid role. He rejected it and took his case to a tribunal. Eventually, he was awarded more than £45,000 when the judge found his former employer hadn't fully taken his ADHD diagnosis into account during the disciplinary process.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in