ADHD in the Skilled Trades: Recognizing the Workforce Impact

ADHD affects roughly 4% of the workforce, but blue-collar and union workers bear the sharpest impact. Studies show workers in trades and manual roles lose nearly 56 days of productive work per year due to ADHD, compared to just 12 days for professionals. Yet only 13% of workers with ADHD are receiving treatment, and 92% fear disclosing their diagnosis at work. In environments where safety standards, attendance and physical performance are nonnegotiable, unmanaged ADHD doesn't stay invisible for long—It manifests as injuries, absenteeism and turnover. Workers with ADHD also earn up to 33% less than their peers and are 60% more likely to be fired. This isn't a niche issue; it's one of the most under-addressed challenges currently facing union halls.

This webcast will explore:

• Why ADHD hits blue-collar and union workers harder than white-collar professionals, and what's driving the productivity gap
• How unmanaged ADHD shows up on the job—from safety incidents and absenteeism to turnover—and how to spot the warning signs early
• Why so few workers seek treatment, and the stigma and fear keeping 92% of them silent about their diagnosis
• The real cost of inaction, including the pay and job security gaps ADHD workers face
• Practical steps union halls and employers can take to support workers, reduce risk and close these gaps.