Your employer may be able to pay for your ADHD coaching - here’s how
The other day, I was chatting with my Dream Team-mate Nicola about something strange: most of our clients pay out of pocket for coaching, yet so much of the work we do in coaching directly benefits our clients' organizations. From the strategies we develop to the thinking, planning and decision-making that happens in our sessions - all of this helps our clients perform better at work.
It’s why we’re glad to see more employers sponsor ADHD coaching, recognizing it as valuable professional development. If you haven't considered this route before, here’s an approach that’s worked for some of our clients who’ve had their employers sponsor their coaching.
How employers benefit from ADHD coaching
Think about your typical day at work. You’ll find yourself managing complex tasks with many moving parts, coordinating with different teams, and making strategic decisions - which takes some serious executive functioning! For people with ADHD, it’s no small feat to navigate these workplace demands while keeping standards high - and consistently, without burning out. Doing this successfully often means finding workarounds like ADHD-specific strategies and support.
So the tools and strategies that people learn in coaching do more than just make life a little easier - they optimize how our clients show up at work. We work on skills and capabilities that also happen to directly benefit their employer: strengthening focus, planning and prioritization, managing workloads, thinking strategically, solving problems, and communicating effectively. We also help our clients understand their natural strengths and motivators in order to do their best work in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.
The business case for ADHD coaching
Your organization likely has a learning and development budget set aside for you. While people typically use this for courses and workshops, coaching can often provide more direct value. Here's why:
Unlike general courses that teach standardized approaches, coaching helps you discover how you specifically do your best work
Rather than learning theory, you're developing practical strategies that you can implement immediately
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, coaching adapts to your specific challenges and organizational context
The skills developed through coaching - from better prioritization to improved team communication - directly impact your day-to-day performance
A note about disclosure
It's important to acknowledge that not everyone has disclosed their ADHD at work, nor wishes to do so. When and if to share your ADHD diagnosis is a deeply personal choice. Requesting ADHD coaching support might involve vulnerable conversations with your manager or HR representative. While this article is for those who are comfortable having these discussions, we respect that this approach isn't right for everyone.
A step by step approach to get your ADHD coaching sponsored
To prepare for a conversation about ADHD coaching with your manager or HR, make sure you’re well-informed about your organization’s L&D policies. It’s also worth reflecting on and clarifying how coaching will serve you as specialized professional development that optimizes your strengths.
1. Get clear on your organization's L&D policies:
What's the typical budget per person?
What types of development are usually supported? Do you know anyone else who's had coaching sponsored?
Who makes these decisions?
If a L&D budget is not available, are there any other avenues to consider?
2. Reflect on your needs and objectives:
Consider how ADHD impacts your work performance
What specific work challenges would you like to address?
How might improving in these areas benefit your team and organization?
What are some practical outcomes that could result from coaching?
Here are some examples:
More ease and confidence with project execution and delivery, from start to finish
Improved workload management and prioritization
Better preparation for and transition into a promotion or new role
3. Start informal conversations:
If you have regular check-ins with your manager, they are a good time to share specific work challenges where coaching could help, along with your development goals
Use these conversations to get a sense of your manager’s perspective and understand any concerns on their end
Ask about next steps in the formal request process
A special note for UK clients: If you're based in the UK, you may be eligible for the government's Access to Work scheme, which can fund 3-6 months of ADHD coaching. See our blog post about Access to Work for more details.
Having your employer sponsor your ADHD coaching isn't just about securing funding - it's about recognizing that coaching work creates real value for organizations. I hope that these steps make it easier for anyone who wants to explore this route.
If you've gotten the green light from your employer and are ready to explore ADHD coaching, book a Discovery Session to meet with a member of the Dream Team and learn more about working with us.
