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Alex Partridge, Founder of UNILAD and LADbible, on ADHD at work
When Alex was diagnosed with ADHD at 34, it was a moment that put the rest of his life – and career – in context. In our webinar, Alex reflected on that career, the challenges he faced, and how simple accommodations in the workplace can make a massive difference.“I got diagnosed with ADHD about a year and a half ago at age 34,” Alex said, explaining how the condition impacted his entrepreneurial journey without him fully realising it.“Looking back now, through the lens of ADHD, I can see why a lot of my early businesses failed.”He recounted a story from his university days when he impulsively started a late-night pizza delivery service: “A week later, my interest in the idea evaporated and disappeared. That was one of 10 or 15 businesses that I started and subsequently abandoned before landing on the ones that did sustain my interest.”This impulsivity and rollercoaster of interest are common traits of ADHD. It’s a condition that’s misunderstood by many, and Alex is on a mission to change that perception -especially in the workplace.The challenges of ADHD in the workplaceOne of the key issues Alex emphasised as part of the webinar with Reed was the disconnect between traditional office environments and the way ADHD brains function.“When you're forced into an office that's not suited to your brain, it can lead to overstimulation and almost a shutdown,” he said.“I remember working in a marketing agency in a busy office. The noise, the ping pong table, the constant chatter - it completely paralysed my ability to work. Yet, when I asked to work in a quieter space and be judged on my outcomes rather than my processes, my productivity skyrocketed.“In just six weeks, I grew the company’s social media following from zero to eight million.”This experience highlights how simple accommodations, such as offering quiet spaces or allowing flexibility in how tasks are completed, can transform an employee’s productivity.Common misconceptions about ADHDOne of the biggest obstacles for neurodivergent individuals in the workplace is the stigma attached to ADHD.Alex said many people still have outdated views: “A common misconception is that ADHD means you’re physically hyperactive and constantly moving around the office. But for many people, particularly women, ADHD is internalised - it's a racing mind rather than fidgety behaviour.”He added that employers often assume people with ADHD can’t focus, which couldn’t be further from the truth: “People with ADHD don’t have a deficit of attention - they have an abundance of it.“When we’re interested in something, we can laser in and focus better than most. The challenge is accommodating for those things that capture our attention.”Another myth Alex addressed is that people with ADHD can’t handle leadership roles.He said: “In reality, people with ADHD can thrive in leadership positions. The fast pace, high pressure, and need for constant novelty are perfect for us.”Accommodations that make a differenceSo, what can employers do to help their ADHD employees thrive?“The most important thing employers can do is show they understand,” Alex said. “Create a safe space where employees feel comfortable asking for help without fear of discrimination.“Something as simple as putting a policy notice on your website or bringing in neurodivergent speakers can make a huge difference.”On a practical level, Alex suggested allowing flexibility in how and when work is completed.“Not everyone works well in a nine-to-five structure,” he said, “some people might do 40 hours of work in just four hours if you let them work on their terms. Judge employees by their outcomes, not their processes.”Other accommodations Alex suggested included offering quiet spaces, providing written instructions rather than verbal ones, and breaking down large projects into smaller tasks with mini-deadlines: “For people with ADHD, having smaller, achievable goals can reduce overwhelm and improve task initiation.He also encouraged the use of tools like noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys in the office.“I always have a thumb stone with me when I’m working, it helps channel some of the physical hyperactivity,” he added. “Normalising these tools can help employees manage their ADHD in a productive way.”Recognising the signs of ADHD in your employeesAlex said managers who are unsure of how to spot employees who might be struggling with ADHD should look out for signs of anxiety or be aware if someone is withdrawing from meetings or experiences sudden changes in their behaviour.Employers who suspect someone has ADHD or another neurodivergent condition should approach the situation with care.“Send a private email or have a private conversation,” Alex said. “Ask if there’s anything you can do to help and work with the employee to create a plan moving forward.“It’s important to have regular check-ins to ensure that the support remains consistent and effective.”A call for more awareness and actionAlex’s message is clear: accommodating neurodiverse employees isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s smart business.“People with ADHD bring incredible creativity, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial thinking to the table. With just a few adjustments, they can be a massive asset to any company.”Alex Partridge, Founder of UNILAD and LADbibleFor employers, creating an inclusive environment where neurodivergent employees can succeed is not just about ticking boxes, it’s about recognising and celebrating different ways of thinking.As Alex said: “The best ideas often come from the quietest minds in the room. You just need to give them the space and time to be heard.”Through his podcast, ADHD Chatter, Alex continues to raise awareness, share stories, and advocate for change in how society and workplaces understand ADHD.This article highlights only a small number of recommendations from Alex. If you didn’t get a chance to watch our fireside chat with him, you can watch the recording of the event below:
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Interview question generator - New Reed AI tool
Why should recruiters and hiring managers use our tool?Well-crafted interview questions are essential for determining an interviewee's skills, experience, and fit for the role.If you are looking for good interview questions for recruiters or managers, our interview question generator is your go-to resource for fast, comprehensive interview question generation, providing you with a wide range of relevant and effective questions to choose from.Our tool uses advanced AI algorithms to generate a list of interview questions to ask candidates that are tailored to the specific requirements of the role and your company. Using the tool ensures that the questions you ask at an interview are relevant, effective, and comprehensive, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of each interviewee’s strengths and weaknesses. Our interview question generator will save you time and effort, while ensuring that you are asking the right questions to identify the best candidates for your open positions.Tailoring questions to your industry and roleOur interview question generator will craft a set of interview questions to suit any role, in any sector, across a range of seniority levels, from entry level to c-suite.Helping recruiters and managers craft better interview questionsBy highlighting your top-three most sought-after soft skills, this AI-powered interview question generator will align with your hiring needs, helping you uncover the best talent to help your team thrive.Helping hiring managers save timeWhat used to take hours of searching the internet for the best interview questions, will take you no more than five minutes.
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The power of your personal brand and how to build it
Personal branding is the practice of creating, managing, and influencing your own brand. Everything you want people to know about you is your personal brand. While you can’t control how others perceive you, you can take strides to ensure you highlight the best parts of yourself. It involves taking control of how you present yourself to the world and making sure you are seen in a positive light.The adage ‘It’s not what you know but who you know’ isn’t exactly true – it’s more about who knows you and how they see you. It’s not only professional accolades that help professionals progress in their careers, but who they are as people as well. Just as a company works to promote its business to clients, customers, candidates and employees, to stand out from competitors, individuals can also market themselves to employers and other professional contacts in their network. Your experience, expertise, values, personality and everything that makes you unique can contribute to your personal brand. How to build your personal brandHere are some tips to help get you started and keep up the momentum: 1. Define your target audienceKnowing who you want to reach with your personal brand is essential for success. Research your target audience and consider what kind of content, tone and style of communication will resonate with them. 2. Set yourself apartYour brand must be an honest representation of yourself if you are to highlight your unique skills and traits. Think about the qualities and experiences you can use to set yourself apart and emphasise how you’re different from others. 3. Create a compelling messageWhat values do you stand for as a person? Creating a tagline or mission statement is a great way to articulate your personal brand in a concise, memorable way. Your message should be one of positivity and optimism. 4. Build an online presenceSocial media is essential for building an online presence. Choose the platforms that make the most sense for your target audience and start creating content around your personal brand. You might decide to build your own website as well – some use this as a way of showcasing their portfolio of previous work and their ‘about me’ page. 5. Be a thought leaderSharing your knowledge with others adds value to your social media profiles and people will recognise you as an authoritative voice on a subject and a trustworthy source of information. 6. Be approachableWhile you want to show your professionalism, you don’t want to overdo it by using jargon or words that most people wouldn’t use in everyday conversation. Using language that shows you’re a person and not a corporate robot will help others identify with you. 7. Be consistentIn order to ensure your brand is successful, you need to be consistent. Keep your message and branding consistent across all your platforms and maintain an active presence. This shows your authenticity and builds trust in your audience. 8. Keep up with trendsTo ensure your brand stays relevant and cutting-edge, you must be up to date with trends and know what people are interested in now. Stay abreast of industry news, what your competition is doing and check in regularly with your contacts. 9. Monitor your progressSet goals, track your progress and measure the success of your efforts. Use analytics tools to analyse the data and adjust your tactics accordingly. Everything you do must be intentional and have a purpose. 10. NetworkNetworking is essential to building a successful personal brand. Develop meaningful relationships with your peers in the industry and look for opportunities to collaborate. 11. Take constructive criticismMost people will shy away from criticism they don’t want to hear, but it’s useful for improving your personal brand and adjusting your strategy. Listening to your audience is another way to connect with them and keep learning. Building a strong personal brand takes some work, but it’s worth it in the end, allowing you to unlock new opportunities and set yourself up for success. To find your next opportunity, or the perfect professional to join your team, contact us today.
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A four-day work week: the pros and cons
The past 16 months have given organisations time to consider how they operate, including the number of hours and days they require employees to work.It is no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has transformed the way we work in the UK, with many businesses having to abandon the office to work from home almost overnight. As well as this, over the last year we have seen the introduction of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the challenge of juggling home schooling, leaving many employers no choice but to allow for flexible working arrangements.With this sudden shift to working from home and an increase in hybrid working, we have seen more and more conversations around work-life balance and businesses questioning their ‘typical working week’.The five-day work week has become a cultural norm, especially in the UK, but after more than a year of change, is it time to rethink this approach and, if we do, would businesses continue to succeed? Or would productivity take a hit?We asked our LinkedIn followers: “Would you consider changing your company’s working hours to a four-day working week?”. With 919 votes, 50% said yes, but with the same hours, 33% said yes but with reduced hours, 12% said no, and 6% said they would consider it, but not at this time.With 83% of those surveyed in favour of a four-day week, there are many considerations companies must make when deciding if this is a course of action they would be willing to take.What is the case for a four-day work week?A four-day work week can be defined in two ways; the first is when an employee compresses their full-time hours (typically 35 hours) over a four-day period. And the second is reducing an employee’s hours (typically to 28 hours) over four days, so they are then able to have a three-day weekend.Many argue that, while the five-day work week used to be effective in the 19th century, it no longer suits the needs of the modern-day professional.With the evolution of technology, some day-to-day tasks are significantly more time-efficient, and with an uplift in office-based roles, we are seeing an argument that longer work hours do not necessarily mean staff are more productive.Notably, over the last couple of years, many countries across the globe including Japan, New Zealand, Spain - and most recently Iceland - have trialled the four-day work week to research the effect it has on its employees.Microsoft trialled four-day weeks in its Japanese offices and found the shortened work week led to more efficient meetings, happier workers and boosted productivity by a staggering 40%. Similarly, Iceland undertook a trial which monitored employees working reduced hours over a variety of public sector workplaces and found it to be an overall success, with 86% of the country's workforce now on a shorter work week for the same pay.In an article for the BBC, Will Stronge, Director of Research at four-day week consultancy Autonomy, said: “It shows that the public sector is ripe for being a pioneer of shorter working weeks - and lessons can be learned for other governments.”In the UK, many businesses have also trialled the four-day work week, and some have even made the permanent switch. Gloucestershire-based PR agency Radioactive Public Relations trialled a four-day week for six months and found the business was even more profitable and employees’ sickness days were halved.What are the advantages of a four-day working week?Large and small-sized companies trialling the concept have created an evidence-base of the benefits a four-day working week could bring to your organisation.An increase in productivity levelsResearch has shown that working fewer hours boosts productivity levels. With employees spending less time at work, they can feel happier and more fulfilled, leading to them focusing on their job when in the workplace.A large New Zealand business, Perpetual Guardian, trialled a four-day work week and found not only a 20% rise in productivity, but work-life balance scores increased from 54% to 78%.Environmental and cost-saving benefitsShortening your working week means that employees do not need to commute as much, reducing their carbon footprint.As we have seen throughout the pandemic, those businesses with employees working on the same four days can save on overheads and in some cases even be eligible for tax relief.Happier employees and fewer absencesAccording to mental health charity Mind, one in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem in any given week in England, and one in five agreed that they have called in sick to avoid work.Four-day work weeks leave employees more time to focus on personal development or spend time with loved ones. This will not only increase employees’ happiness, but can contribute to fewer burnouts, leaving them to be more focused and happier in their role.Better recruitment and retentionThe increase of hybrid working and remote working during the pandemic has led to employees wanting greater flexibility from their employers.The CIPD reported that the majority of people think flexible working is positive for their quality of life, and 30% of people think it positively affects their mental health. So, offering potential new and existing employees a flexible working pattern is a fantastic way of attracting and retaining talented professionals.What are the disadvantages of a four-day working week?Whilst there are benefits to a four-day work week, there are disadvantages too:"A four-day work week wouldn’t work practically because of the need to cover more shifts during a time where we are already facing staff shortages."Not all industries can participateUnfortunately, the four-day working week model does not suit every sector. Some businesses or professions require a 24/7 presence which would make a shortened work week unpractical and, in some cases, delay work - creating longer lead times.A nurse who wanted to remain anonymous expressed her reservations about a four-day week in the healthcare sector, saying: “As an A&E nurse a four-day working week wouldn’t work practically for us. Currently, we work long 12+ hour shifts in order to have four days off, which I prefer as it provides more of a work-life balance. However, while I know a four-day working week would be better for some of my colleagues due to childcare, the shorter, more regular shifts we would have to do on a four-day week wouldn’t work. It would mean the need to cover more shifts during a time where we are already facing staff shortages.”Unutilised labourA four-day week is not for everyone; some employees prefer the structure of a five-day working week or would prefer to put in more hours than a four-day working week offers.Likewise, some professions have tasks which simply take more time than others, which would lead to paying more in overtime or drafting in further staff to make up the shortfall (as happened in healthcare for the Icelandic study), which can ultimately become expensive.Final thoughts: should your business adopt the four-day work week?Although the shortened work week has taken off in many European countries and been successful for many UK businesses, it is an extreme approach for a company to take and requires a shift in mindset from the employer and employees for it to work effectively, so it may not be for everyone.While a more flexible approach on working hours is now expected from employees, a less disruptive, more gradual process would be adopting a hybrid or flexible working policy instead.Likewise, as mentioned above, the four-day model may not work for all sectors. What studies and data have proven is that organisations who are putting more focus on maintaining staff wellbeing, engagement, morale, and productivity are reaping the benefits.