Imagine your brain is like a high-speed computer with multiple tabs open at once. It’s always on, always buzzing, and always multitasking. For me, living with ADHD and dyslexia, this is what every day feels like. It’s like having a constant companion – a voice, a tune, and a cacophony of background noise that never stops.
The voice is my least favourite part. It’s that nagging, self-deprecating whisper that tells me I’m not good enough, that I’m failing, the voice of all my childhood teachers, my parents. It’s the first to chime in when things go wrong, and it never misses an opportunity to remind me of my shortcomings. The tune is stuck on repeat. One catchy section plays over and over, but I can never seem to get to the next part. It’s frustrating, distracting and I don’t even like the song anymore.
And then there are the noises. Every sound around me is amplified. The hum of the air conditioner, the chatter of colleagues, the rustle of papers – it’s all competing for my attention. It’s like trying to focus on a single conversation in a crowded cafe.
Now, imagine being in a meeting and someone asks you a question you know the answer to. Sounds simple, right? But for me, it’s like trying to find a specific book in a library without a catalogue system. I know it’s there, but it takes a while to locate. The delay in responding makes me feel self-conscious, and that voice in my head starts to get louder, telling me I’m slow, that I’m not good enough.
And just when I think things can’t get any worse, I remember I forgot to put on deodorant that morning. It’s like my brain has decided to play a cruel joke on me. The distraction is instant, and my focus is gone.
My manager asks if I’ve read that article we received this morning and what my thoughts are. Panic mode activates. I know I read it, but where are my notes? And what was my conclusion again? I’m too slow to read it now, and even if I could, the words would just jumble together on the page. It’s like trying to drink from a firehose. Paralysed by the weight of this simple question. Why won’t my brain just cooperate for once?
This is just one side of what it’s like to live with ADHD and dyslexia at work, I haven’t even gone into the burnout and heaviness of a low dopamine day. It’s not just about being a bit disorganised or needing extra time to read something. It’s about navigating a world that’s not designed for brains like mine. It’s about constantly fighting to stay focused, to silence that voice, and to find my place in a system that often feels like it’s stacked against me.
So, next time you see someone struggling to keep up or needing a bit more time to respond, remember that it might not be because they’re not trying hard enough. It might just be that their brain is working differently, and that’s okay. We all need a little understanding and accommodation sometimes.
In today’s digital world, effective communication is crucial for workplace success. As our professional interactions increasingly occur online, understanding digital etiquette has become essential. But with so many communication channels available, how do we choose the right one for each situation? Let’s explore when to use email, Slack/Teams, or the good old-fashioned phone call.
The Importance of Digital Etiquette
Digital etiquette, also known as netiquette, refers to the set of guidelines for polite and respectful behaviour when communicating online. As David Chiles, author of “The Principles of Netiquette,” puts it, “Courtesy and kindness cultivate confidence with good Netiquette. Doing things right makes you feel good.”
In the workplace, proper digital etiquette is more than just being polite – it’s about effective communication and productivity. According to a 2021 Digital Etiquette study by Adaptavist, 75% of employees sometimes or always feel invisible to their colleagues on digital platforms despite their interactions and posts. This highlights the need for clear communication guidelines to support effective collaboration and workplace efficiency.
Email: The Professional Standard
Email remains a cornerstone of business communication. According to Statista, an estimated 361.6 billion emails were sent and received daily worldwide in 2024 and that is only predicted to increase year by year. So when should you use email?
Simon Haighton-Williams, CEO of The Adaptavist Group, emphasises the importance of email etiquette: “The challenge for employers is threefold: to create a culture that values individual contributions, encourages cohesive teamwork, and respects generational diversity without resorting to stereotypes.”
Instant Message: Real-Time Collaboration
Instant messaging platforms such as Slack and Teams have revolutionised internal communication for many organisations. They have become a go-to tool for quick, informal conversations. Use instant messaging when:
However, be mindful of “tool fatigue.” The 2021 Digital Etiquette study found that 29% of respondents were familiar with the term, and of those, 59% said they lose time during their workday due to tool fatigue.
Calls: The Personal Touch
In our digital age, the importance of voice communication shouldn’t be underestimated. Pick up the phone when:
Research by CommBank and More revealed Gen Z Australians aged between 18 and 26 found that almost 60% dread making or accepting a phone call. Luckily we now have ways of making phone calls more interactive, with facetimes, Teams or Slack calls.
Striking the Right Balance
The key to effective digital etiquette is understanding the strengths and limitations of each communication channel. As our Founder, Josh Mackenzie notes, “In today’s multigenerational workforce, it’s clear we need to learn how to utilise and work with the different skills and working styles that have formed with each generation’s experiences.”
Here are some tips for navigating digital etiquette in the workplace:
The Future of Digital Etiquette
As technology continues to evolve, so too will our digital etiquette norms. The rise of AI and machine learning may introduce new challenges and opportunities in workplace communication. A report by Deloitte suggests that the digital workplace creates its own challenges, including “developing a new kind of digital etiquette to expectations for employees.”
In conclusion, mastering digital etiquette is crucial in today’s workplace. By understanding when to use email, instant messaging, or the phone, and by following best practices for each medium, we can improve our communication effectiveness and build stronger professional relationships. As we navigate this digital world, let’s remember that at the heart of all communication – digital or otherwise – is human connection.
DBL’s “Decoding the Workplace” solution offers a comprehensive approach to help new hires, particularly those from Generation Z, navigate the complexities of organisational culture and unwritten workplace rules.
Understanding Unwritten Expectations – focuses on decoding the unspoken expectations that come with starting a new job. It helps participants understand the concept of the “psychological contract” that exists beyond formal terms and conditions, addressing potential misunderstandings that can arise from cultural expectations not explicitly communicated.
Want to learn more about this module? Visit our landing page or contact us today!