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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for neurodivergent individuals in the workplace is the stigma attached to ADHD.Alex said many people still have outdated views: “A common misconception is that ADHD means you’re physically hyperactive and constantly moving around the office.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:​​

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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Combatting cyber threats: how to protect your business

As companies continue to utilise workplace technologies to allow their business to grow and develop, the risk of cyber security attacks increases tenfold.According to PwC, Swiss companies suffer ransomware attacks around every 11 seconds. Medium-sized Swiss companies suffer average damage of about CHF 6 million per cyberattack.Now more than ever, companies across the world try and prevent cyber attacks. Because of this, the role of information technology in the workplace becomes even more critical for businesses to not only protect their assets, but to also lead towards a sustainable future.We interviewed Karl Hoods, Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO) at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) - UK, to find out what companies can do to protect their business from cyber security threats.Watch the full interview with Karl, where he goes into detail on the importance of IT within business and how it has changed, alongside how companies can protect themselves from cyber attacks and the ‘must haves’ that can help ensure protection and sustainability for your business, here:​The role of IT in business Information technology and the IT department now play a crucial role within any business, as the emphasis on monitoring and managing technology and communication systems grows.There are very few companies now that don’t have an IT department or a professional who looks after the digital elements of the organisation. From being able to send an email, to changing and verifying a password, accessing and maintaining databases and troubleshooting, information technology allows businesses to become more efficient and productive. While the role of the IT department still encompasses day-to-day operations, the responsibilities and strategic direction has changed exponentially, according to the CDIO at BEIS, Karl Hoods. He said: “I think the role of the IT department, or the digital department, is incredibly important. “There aren't many industries that don't have any reliance on technology at all. It's really a relationship that needs to continue to develop and evolve because there's so much value that technology can bring to everyday activities, from productivity if you're working in the office, through to manufacturing and what that can actually mean for output. “IT has definitely progressed over the years, from being a supporting function to being something which should be integral to the operation of the organisation you’re in.” Protecting your business The need to protect your business from cyber-attacks has never been greater, and global governments continue to urge businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity practices. According to PwC, in 2020, 20,544 cases of cybercrime were reported in Switzerland, and 16,395 of these were classified as cyber fraud.Conducting business through digital means can bring a host of opportunities and benefits to the fore, including the ability to email safely, store data, work remotely, and manage everyday operations. On the other hand, having a digital workstream can enhance the risk of a cyber attack. While cyber-attacks can be hard to predict, Karl believes it’s imperative that companies look into potential risks to ensure that the business can remain functional, operational and secure. He said: “There's definitely a conversation to be had about understanding what the threats are and really getting your head around that." "From a cyber perspective, we've recently seen the exponential growth in cyber activity and cyber threats. It hits every part of every organisation and it can be incredibly disruptive. You need to look at your own risk as an organisation and where your threat vectors are, where you might have some weaknesses, where you might be exposed and then look to plug those."Karl Hoods, Chief Information & Digital Officer, BEISIn most cases, today’s technology tools come equipped with the necessary protection that allows businesses to safely go about their day-to-day operations. But making sure you understand how to use the tools is paramount. Karl adds: “If you're using things like Office 365 or Google Workspace, they all come with tools which can help you. If you don't know how to use them, get some advice on what to do with that – an independent view is beneficial. “Once you've got that base level of technology protection, then you can look to see how you can evolve that over time. There's also scope to put into place a technology recovery process, as well as a wider business recovery that needs to be done as well. “Really understanding the key recovery processes, the key people and how long you can survive without having access to the technology is incredibly important.” The technology ‘must haves’ Protecting your business in a digital world will allow your business to be both sustainable and progressive – but to do so, employers need to make sure that they’re doing everything possible from an IT standpoint. There are certain processes and tools that can be put in place that will protect a business in both the short and long term. Because IT departments have gone from being purely ‘reactive’ to ‘proactive’, there are multiple ways that companies can firewall their digital assets, believes Karl. He said: “So the ‘must haves’ are an awareness of the threats. Then there are basic principles that you need to employ which all come down to people a lot of the time. That includes the need for strong passwords, two-factor authentication, all those kinds of things that you need to put in place. “If you look at the history of some of the compromises that happen, they are around compromised accounts, around credentials that are not being rotated often enough for admin accounts, etc. There's a similar pattern emerging over and over again – usually down to a flaw in the process. “Focus on understanding your threats, understand where your weaknesses are, and plug those where you can. Also having a really strong user training and awareness programme is incredibly key because people are the weak spot in many of these things.” Focusing on the employee Companies need to take the time to invest in their employees to ensure security breaches, no matter the size, can be prevented. Researchers from Stanford University suggest that approximately 88% of all data breaches are caused by an employee mistake. Human error is still very much the driving force behind an overwhelming majority of cyber security problems, which makes upskilling your employees more important. Karl believes that “no matter what technology you've got in place, there’s always a weak point which can be individuals, whether that's malicious or just a genuine mistake. “Investing in the technology, the processes and the people in terms of upskilling has got to be key for any organisation of any size to recover. “We all get phishing attacks and malware attacks at home. Just because you've come into the office doesn't mean to say that everything's taken care of by the security or technology team. “It's just about keeping abreast of that, keeping up to date, making people aware of the consequences and understanding what the outcomes could be.” According to software company Symantec, in the UK, one in every 3,722 emails is a phishing attempt, further reinforcing the need to make employees aware of any potential threats that can occur both within the office and while working from home. Karl adds: “If there is a breach, it’s about knowing who to notify when something happens, even if you're unsure whether it's a breach or not. “It's better to put your hand up and say, ‘can you look at it for me?’ rather than just say ‘I'm not quite sure’ and let it go so even more damage can be done. “There are lots of software and courses that are available. It can be very much bitesize and consumable on the move, just short little snippets of information that can really help to protect your business.” Growing awareness business wide As the IT department’s roles and responsibilities evolve, so too does their ability to influence and inform senior leaders, which is crucial when it comes to the prevention and awareness of cyber security measures. Growing awareness around cyber security isn’t just for entry-level employees, it must encompass all departments from graduates all the way up to c-suite executives and the board."There’s this concept of the ‘human firewall’ that is what we really need inside organisations."Karl Hoods, Chief Information & Digital Officer, BEIS Karl said: “Awareness should start in general terms so that people know how to protect themselves, know not to click on links that they don't expect to receive- for all employees at all levels. “It isn't just focused on the most junior person in the organisation. This needs to be right up to board level and down, everyone needs to understand the role that they play in protecting the organisation.” Are you looking for a talented IT professional to drive your business’ growth? Get in touch with our specialist recruiter now.