Today's Community+ blog post is close to our hearts and Stratastic's mission of inclusivity and diversity; furthermore, we're extra-excited to share a story that is even more personal than ever before . Our team member, Hector is opening up and sharing his personal journey as someone living with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). This includes his perspective on how it has been both a challenge and asset to him throughout his various roles in condominiums (ranging from superintendent, to property administrator and manager, and now as the brilliant developer at Stratastic who ensures that we deliver a range of tools for every Condoland citizen), as well as tips for both employees and employers dealing with ADHD in the workplace.
As we venture into October, a month dedicated to ADHD Awareness, we understand the critical importance of addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals in both their personal and professional lives. Mental health is not a topic we take lightly, and at Stratastic, we believe it's essential to promote a workplace that not only acknowledges but fully comprehends the unique challenges our team members face, including those that may remain concealed beneath the surface.
Now, you might be wondering what this has to do with the condo industry. Well, let us assure you, it's directly related. ADHD is a condition that affects a significant portion of the population, including those within the condo community. As one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in Canada, it touches the lives of millions, making it a topic of relevance in the very fabric of our industry. From property management to maintenance, directors, residents, and vendors, everyone plays a part in the dynamic condo ecosystem.
With Hector's story, we hope to shed light on the importance of fostering inclusivity and understanding in the workplace. Stratastic is not just a company; it's a community that values each member's journey and strives to create an environment where they can thrive. So, let's dive into Hector's insightful journey and discover how individuals like him can excel in the condo industry. Together, we can learn how to create a more welcoming and inclusive workspace, embracing the diversity that enriches our industry and strengthens our bonds. It's a story of resilience, creativity, and the power of self-discovery, and we're thrilled to share it with you today.
Now, without further ado, let's hear from Hector and explore the world of condo management through his unique lens.
-Stratastic Inc.
P.S. Our collective condo community is full of unique individuals with valuable perspectives. We invite you to interconnect by registering now (it's free)!
Hello everyone, I’m Hector Ordonez - the developer at Stratastic! As we nestle into October, we find ourselves in the heart of ADHD Awareness Month. This is a time for us to delve into the diverse challenges that many individuals face in their daily lives, including in our workplace.
It's truly essential for us to not just acknowledge, but fully understand these hurdles, because mental health issues are something that impact so many of us, often silently. While some people's struggles may come and go, for others, like me, they're lifelong companions. So, in this month's Community+ post, I'm absolutely thrilled to open up and share a bit more of my personal journey as a person living with ADHD.
About ADHD: ADHD, which stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in Canada. It touches the lives of a substantial portion of the population—4-6% of adults and 5-7% of children, equating to roughly 1.8 million Canadians. This means that about 1 in every 20 people in the country grapples with this unique disorder (1).
How it affected me: As a kid, I had boundless energy and was always on the move; unfortunately, I often found myself labeled as a troublemaker by my teachers. This label stayed with me for a long time, leading to a sense of instability in my life. I struggled to focus on tasks, school, relationships, and pretty much everything else, but it was a source of constant frustration. It wasn't until my mid-twenties that I was finally diagnosed with ADHD.
For me, ADHD led me to believe it was the root cause of my life's struggles, and I would see it as a curse. I often felt frustrated by my perceived lack of productivity and the challenge of completing tasks. But today, I'm genuinely excited to share my journey of navigating the condo industry as someone with ADHD and the distinctive challenges that it brings.
As a superintendent: My adventure kicked off in the maintenance/superintendent field of condos, where tasks were predominantly routine, and any changes rarely threw me off course. For someone with ADHD, having a structured, day-to-day routine is like a secret weapon for successfully completing tasks. In maintenance, I found it rather easy to inspect machinery and promptly respond to service calls. Shorter, physical tasks were a breeze, as ADHD tends to affect longer, more intricate tasks.
As property management: However, the landscape of my profession shifted significantly when I transitioned into a role as a property manager. Suddenly, I was faced with an increased number of tasks, and at times, the day-to-day operations felt nothing short of overwhelming. This change underscored how ADHD can pose more significant challenges in roles that demand intricate, long-term projects and heightened organizational skills.
As a property manager, the role was a multifaceted one, with responsibilities spanning from dealing with residents to overseeing maintenance, finances, and everything in between. However, for someone like me with ADHD, this dynamic role can present a unique set of challenges. Clear and consistent communication with residents can be difficult to maintain, which may lead to misunderstandings and frustrations. Organizing and prioritizing maintenance tasks can pose challenges, potentially resulting in overlooked tasks or missed deadlines. Being highly organized (such as ensuring that my site's annual planners were up-to-date, something that everyone can easily achieve with Stratastic's free Planner+ feature or Meeting+ date calculator for Owner's Meetings) was crucial to staying on track and not becoming overwhelmed.
The stress and overwhelming feelings that often come with property management felt even more pronounced for me. However, despite these challenges, it's important to recognize that individuals with ADHD also bring strengths such as the ability to hyperfocus on projects they're passionate about. Individuals with ADHD bring a unique set of benefits to the role of a property manager. My creativity and innovative thinking helped me to think of out-of-the-box solutions for complex challenges. I quickly adapted to change, and I really fine-tuned my problem-solving agility – two skills that are like gold in property management.
Workplace struggles: Sometimes, as someone with ADHD, and just as an individual in general, it's vital to recognize if a particular workplace is the right fit for you. Regardless of the accommodations that might be available or the stress you experience at work, it's essential to consider your well-being. We're all adaptable, and ADHD or not, some workplaces can create a toxic environment that affects your mental health. As my mom wisely said, "We're not trees; we can move to where we want." This mindset is a cornerstone of self-care and self-love, both crucial for a healthy mind.
I've personally worked my way to find a place that aligns with my personality, passions, and abilities. I consider myself fortunate that Stratastic found me at just the right time and place. I've experienced the freedom to express myself, and it's been empowering to have a voice within this company. I've found the space to channel my creativity and contribute solutions to various challenges. I'm truly privileged to work for an employer who not only understands but cares and allows me to be the best version of myself every day, even on those days when I'm not feeling my best. It's absolutely normal to have down days or feel overwhelmed occasionally, but what truly matters is being able to follow your passion.
Here at Stratastic, I've found stability amidst my disorder. I have the freedom to work on my own schedule, which allows me to give my best at work, whether it's early in the morning or later in the day. While I understand that some workplaces have set operating hours, it's equally important for employers to realize that employees aren't always in "work mode." Trusting and providing opportunities for employees to shine when they're inspired, creative, and energized is paramount. They say it's about quality, not quantity, and that's so true.
ADHD as an asset: My personal journey with ADHD has turned out to be a source of my strength. The young boy who once felt misunderstood by the world has grown into an adult who can look back and say, "I understand my challenges, my frustrations, but I also understand my talents, my passions, and everything that makes me a uniquely wonderful person." I've learned that I can infuse my tasks with high energy and enthusiasm. I can navigate ever-changing situations and handle unexpected issues with a certain expertise. I can unleash my creativity and bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table. Most importantly, I've realized that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
So, yes, ADHD may bring its unique set of challenges, but it's also endowed me with a set of superpowers that I'm proud to have. Every individual is unique in countless ways, and each person possesses their own superpower. Yet, no one is perfect; we all have our life experiences and are simply doing our best to make the most of them. That's why it's crucial to be kind and understanding, for we're all on this journey of life, doing our best, and spreading love is what truly matters. 💙😊
In the grand scheme of things, ADHD may indeed pose its own set of challenges in the condo industry. However, with understanding, support, and the right accommodations, individuals with ADHD can truly thrive and bring their distinct talents to this field.
I'm excited to offer some tips and recommendations on how we can create a workplace that's even more welcoming and inclusive for our colleagues with ADHD: 🌟
Tips + Tricks for Working with ADHD in Condominium Settings
Employers: 5 Tips and Recommendations
🤔📅 Flexibility and Accommodation: Acknowledge that employees with ADHD might thrive with some flexibility in their work schedules or task assignments. Consider providing accommodations like extended deadlines or alternative work arrangements when feasible.
🗣️🎯 Clear Communication: Provide clear and concise instructions for tasks and projects. Regularly check in with employees to make sure they fully grasp their responsibilities and deadlines.
🧠💭 Encourage Creative Brainstorming: Individuals with ADHD often shine when it comes to creative thinking and innovation. So, encourage them to brainstorm ideas and propose new projects, as these moments of hyperfocus can lead to astonishing levels of productivity.
🗒️✍️ Task Organization Tools: Invest in task management tools and software to help employees with ADHD stay on top of their work. Tools like to-do lists, project management software, and calendar apps can be a game-changer.
🤝👨💼 Supportive Work Environment: Foster a workplace culture that is compassionate and empathetic. Encourage open communication about the challenges that employees face and provide a strong support system for them to seek help when needed.
Employees: Tips and Recommendations
🪜〽️ Divide Tasks into Smaller Steps: Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This strategy can make complex projects feel less overwhelming and boost your sense of accomplishment.
🚦⏰ Prioritize and Manage Time: Learn to prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines. Try out time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique ( a time management method based on 25-minute stretches of focused work broken by five-minute breaks), to maintain your focus and productivity.
⚠️📅 Use Reminders and Calendar Alerts: Harness the power of technology to set reminders and calendar alerts for important tasks and deadlines. These tools can be invaluable for staying organized and on top of your responsibilities.
🤗💪 Embrace Your Strengths: Recognize your passions and interests within your work. People with ADHD often shine when they're fully engaged in something they love, allowing for periods of hyperfocus and exceptional productivity.
🤝🙂 Seek Support and Self-Care: Don't hesitate to reach out to your employer or colleagues when you need assistance or accommodation. Prioritize self-care practices, such as exercise, meditation, and maintaining a balanced diet, to manage ADHD symptoms.
In conclusion, let’s embrace all the positive energy, skills, talents, and unique qualities that every individual, including those with ADHD, brings to the table. Let's foster an environment that celebrates the richness of diversity, because it's the uniqueness of each person that makes our workplace so special. In this journey of growth and understanding, let's also remind ourselves to embrace self-care and self-love. When we care for ourselves, we're better equipped to care for others and create a supportive atmosphere.. Together, we can create a workplace that's not just inclusive and productive but also full of kindness and appreciation.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey, and let's continue to illuminate the path and support one another. 💙✨
-Hector Ordonez,
Developer at Stratastic Inc.
Community+ Author.
Tags: (ADHD Mental Health Condos)