JUST A BUZZWORD”?: EXPLORING ADHD SUPPORT AND POTENTIAL AI SOLUTION AT WORK IN SWEDISH COMPANIES

Abstract

Purpose: This thesis investigates how Swedish employers understand and implement workplace policies to support ADHD employees, how these employees are perceived in organizational settings, and how artificial intelligence (AI) tools are regarded as potential solutions for improving workplace well-being.. Theory: Institutional Theory (DiMaggio & Powell, 1983) and the Economies of Worth (Boltanski & Thévenot, 2006) are employed to explore how organizations and their actions are shaped by pressures, as well as how they justify support decisions through different value frameworks. Method: This research studies eight semi-structured interviews with professionals, with backgrounds and knowledge in Diversity and Inclusion, from medium-to-big Swedish organizations. Result: While legal frameworks for inclusion exist, the compliance is not completed and dependent on managerial discretion. The support for employees with ADHD is centralized towards productivity and outcomes. While the support system is growing among companies, there is a lack of systematic approach and clear communication. AI tools are gaining popularity in organizational settings but their adoption is mostly limited to productivity enhancements, with limited readiness or trust for use in mental health support.