Hong Kong employers urged to do more to foster inclusive workplaces for workers with ADHD

Hongkonger Helena Cho*, 26, has difficulty reading and writing in Chinese, focusing on monotonous tasks and remembering things sometimes.

Diagnosed with Chinese dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at 13, she graduated from Polytechnic University with a degree in fashion technology two years ago and found a job as a quality technician with a clothes manufacturer.

Explaining why she rarely spoke about her special needs while at work, she said: “Disclosing my condition isn’t going to help, it only creates more problems.”

“Many people, especially the older ones, still discriminate against those with ADHD, assuming we throw tantrums easily and lie on the floor in public.”

She managed her special needs on her own, she said, using Google Translate to transcribe what was said at long meetings and convert Chinese words into English. She also made herself a Chinese-English glossary of terms for clothing parts, defects and solutions.

For ADHD awareness month in October, advocates have highlighted workplace challenges faced by people with the condition, calling on employers to improve their awareness and foster more inclusive work environments.