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Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)

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Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)

#31

Post by JohnFen »

robwg wrote: post #11

My setup requires multiple monitors. Having at least 2 monitors then a laptop on the side. Turn all notification sound off and make sure the slack red dot stays on laptop screen, on the edge of your peripherals. While focusing on work it will be harder to notice the red dot but won't be turned off. Music helps when it's hard to focus, I prefer some genre of instrumentals.

> Turn all notification sound off

This is key for me. Not just the sound (since I keep the audio muted across the board anyway), but turning all notifications off entirely and keeping them that way. I mean all notifications, not just comms-related ones. Then you can use little dots to see if someone needs you in a comms and periodically check things manually when you're in a spot where that's not disruptive.

Notifications are one of the worst things ever.

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)

#32

Post by gensym »

Are you in the US? I recommend this article: https://www.additudemag.com/workplace-legal-protection/

If your ADHD is preventing you from working effectively, you have the legal right to reasonable accommodations (going offline on Slack may be one).

Any decent engineering manager would be happy to work with you to find a way for you to work effectively, and the ADA gives them cover to make exceptions to company policy.

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)

#34

Post by vasilireikh »

Quick heads up, I'm assuming you're not taking any meds—no judgment. On a personal note, I'm pretty sure I've got ADHD (still waiting on that official diagnosis). Sitting in front of a computer is a struggle for me, so I've switched things up by working standing upfront. Bonus: I bounce (back and forth) with the music, and it surprisingly does the trick! About five years ago, I penned a book about this quirky workstyle. If you're into music, maybe give it a shot: https://www.amazon.com/Limitless-Work-Dance-EDM-Music/dp/179...

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)

#36

Post by Buttons840 »

HanClinto wrote: post #35

Audio therapy is very helpful -- quiet brown noise in the background can be very helpful for assisting focus. This is one of my favorites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqzGzwTY-6w

As I approach 40 the tinitus is starting; not to bad though, knock on wood.

I fear that the solution to a noisy office being "add more noise" will cause hearing damage.

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)

#37

Post by Wojtkie »

HanClinto wrote: post #35

Audio therapy is very helpful -- quiet brown noise in the background can be very helpful for assisting focus. This is one of my favorites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqzGzwTY-6w

I work in an open floor plan with music on in the background. I find it immensely distracting but 80% of my office are basically hourly phone support staff. I'd find that job so monotonous that I empathize with them wanting music.

My solution was a pair of noise cancelling headphones and either really ambient music or brown noise like you mentioned. I've found it to be very effective with helping maintaining deep focus.

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)

#38

Post by shahbaby »

Meds helped me a lot.

An alternative which is almost as good is using a novel enviornment to enforce the desired behaviour. i.e Go to a coffee shop. But this stops working after a while.

Also try using apps which block or limit you from distractions. Sure you could easily disable the blocker but that little bit of resistance is often enough.

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)

#39

Post by NBJack »

Buttons840 wrote: post #36
HanClinto wrote: post #35

Audio therapy is very helpful -- quiet brown noise in the background can be very helpful for assisting focus. This is one of my favorites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqzGzwTY-6w

As I approach 40 the tinitus is starting; not to bad though, knock on wood. I fear that the solution to a noisy office being "add more noise" will cause hearing damage.

The proper approach IMHO is to reduce incoming noise then add some of your own to mask it. I'm not a big fan of audio canceling headphones (I'm one of those that finds the perceived 'pressure' distracting and disconcerting), but in-ear buds or headphones already block a lot. Foam tip earbuds are even mor effective. Add some quiet brown noise to mask what's left, and you should be good.

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)

#40

Post by NBJack »

ravenstine wrote: post #15

- Ignore your inbox: Unless you're in a support role, most company emails are not as critical as you might think. All of that noise between blathering newsletters, GitHub notifications, calendar events, various service updates, and alerts from failed CI jobs are mere distractions. You can configure your mail to filter these out or, like I do, not bother checking them for days. If something's actually important, you'l…

Adding my voice, if your stand up sucks, I'm sorry, but you will still need to provide some kind of input to those you work with on what you're doing and what you need. Otherwise, don't be surprised at performance reviews.
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