Supporting employees with executive functioning challenges

What's on this page:

  1. What is executive function in the workplace?
  2. What is the link between neurodivergence and executive functioning challenges?
  3. What executive functioning skills are needed it the workplace?
  4. How to improve executive function skills at work and accommodations
  5. Assistive technology to help with executive functioning challenges

Explore more on executive function challenges below

Or return to our main guide on neurodiversity at work to learn how different neurotypes and practices come together to create a neuroinclusive culture.

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What is executive function?

Executive function is a set of cognitive processes that let us manage behaviours. These skills include planning, organising, and adapting behaviour. We use these skills to do many of the tasks in our daily lives, like following directions, solving problems, controlling emotions and reaching goals.

There are three main areas of executive function. These are:

  • Working memory: This involves holding and manipulating information in the mind over short periods of time. It lets us actively process and use information to complete tasks, make decisions, and solve problems.
  • Cognitive flexibility: Sometimes also called flexible thinking, this refers to the ability to switch between tasks, strategies, or perspectives.
  • Inhibitory control: This is our ability to suppress inappropriate or impulsive responses, resist distractions, and exercise self-control.

How does being neurodivergent affect executive functioning skills? 

Executive function challenges are common across many forms of neurodiversity, including ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. These skills help us plan, organise, focus, and manage time. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), executive function difficulties are closely linked to how the brain regulates attention and working memory.

It’s important to know that struggling with executive functioning skills isn’t a diagnosis. Each person experiences challenges with executive functioning in different ways, but being neurodivergent may have an impact on: 

  • Time management
  • Organisation
  • Determining the order to complete tasks
  • Evaluating the quality of work
  • Focusing
  • Asking for help 
  • Maintaining focus
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Executive functioning skills needed in the workplace

Executive functioning in adults is mentioned much less than in childhood education, despite it being as despite it being a crucial part of succeeding in the workplace. Here are some executive functioning examples, and how they’re needed in the workplace:

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Build neuroinclusion from the start

Creating a supportive environment begins long before day one. Discover practical steps to attract, hire, and retain neurodivergent talent in our latest resource. Learn from organisations like IBM, Sainsbury’s, and The Valuable 500.

Neuroinclusive recruitment guide

How to improve executive function skills at work

Growing global awareness of executive function differences is helping organisations design more supportive workplaces. As the National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes, understanding how attention, working memory, and self-management interact can lead to better outcomes for both employees and employers. Here are our top tips for offering executive functioning support:

Understand different needs

Neurodivergent employees have different strengths and challenges when it comes to executive function skills. Take the time to understand employees’ individual needs and working styles. It’s important to have open communication and create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable asking for help.

Provide concise instructions and expectations. If a task is particularly large or proving hard to handle, break it down into smaller parts. Visual aids like checklists and flowcharts can also help. Make sure to offer positive encouragement as your employee is moving forward.

Help employees with time management techniques by encouraging the use of tools like calendars, planners or task management apps. Make sure to set realistic deadlines and provide regular check-ins to help keep employees on track.

If an employee is in hyper-focused mode, it may be difficult for them to remember to take a break, leading to burnout. Alternatively, employees may often find themselves slowly moving through a boring or complex task. Reassure employees that a short coffee break or five minutes of movement is recommended.

Having fixed working arrangements leaves some employees at a disadvantage. Typical office hours and structure may not work for all employees, particularly neurodivergent employees who might require more flexibility. Implement reasonable accommodations, such as flexible work and hybrid working.

Challenges associated with executive functioning can lead to self-esteem issues and anxiety. Recognise wins, no matter how small. When it comes to formal performance feedback try to keep it constructive, supportive and with a focus on strengths. If working from home, help make employees comfortable with regular check-ins and by being direct in messages.

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How can we support those who struggle with executive function without disclosure?

Not all employees will share that they’re having challenges related to executive functioning. This may be due to embarrassment, fear that they’ll be discriminated against, or because they don’t want to disclose that they’re neurodivergent.

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In an neuroinclusive workplace, accommodations can be implemented without disclosure. For example, if we might notice that someone is having difficulty staying on track. In this case, we would help by offering time management techniques, or by adjusting the workload.

Managers can also highlight the available resources and support systems, such as training, mentoring, or assistive technology, so employees know about the help that’s available. Companies may also want to provide tools that promote different ways of thinking, communicating and working to all employees, without the need for disclosure. For example, Read&Write for Work.

Assistive technology for employees with executive functioning challenges

Executive function challenges can make planning, task-switching, and prioritisation difficult. With tools like Read&Write, employees can work more independently, structure their workload, and manage time more effectively.

How Read&Write for Work helps:

  • Improves task structure: Highlights and colour-coding help employees break large tasks into manageable steps.
  • Supports time management: Using Voice Notes or Dictation, employees can quickly capture to-dos or reminders without breaking focus.
  • Reduces cognitive overload: Text-to-Speech allows multitasking between listening and note-taking, supporting better information retention.
  • Encourages autonomy: Integrated tools work across all platforms, giving users consistent support wherever they work.
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