Recent Employment Tribunal cases have highlighted the impact ‘rejection sensitivity’ can have on people with ADHD at work.
Rejection sensitivity, sometimes called rejection sensitivity dysphoria or RSD, is the term used to describe an intense emotional response to criticism, rejection or the feeling that someone is disappointed or unhappy with you.
It is not a separate clinical diagnosis, but many people with ADHD report experiencing it and it can have a major impact on confidence and working life.
In one recent employment tribunal case, Ryan Toghill v Lidl Great Britain Ltd, the tribunal heard that Mr Toghill, who had ADHD, experienced rejection sensitivity, described in the judgment as an intense sensitivity to the impression of being rejected, harassed or criticised.
The tribunal found that Lidl had unfairly dismissed Mr Toghill and had failed to make reasonable adjustments in parts of its disciplinary process.
In another case, Ms Sophie Stone v MA Business Ltd, the tribunal heard that Ms Stone was dyslexic and neurodivergent and experienced rejection sensitivity dysphoria.
During a discussion about workplace adjustments, her manager made a comment to the effect that she should “get back in her box”.
Although the tribunal accepted that the manager had not meant to cause offence, it found the remark amounted to harassment related to disability. The judgment specifically referred to Ms Stone’s rejection sensitivity and said the comment was “understandably triggering” for...
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