Understanding ADHD Productivity in Construction Work: Toward AI-enabled VR Interventions

Construction sites are dynamic, high-stakes environments that present unique challenges for workers with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While the industry's hands-on nature can be engaging, the constant need for situational awareness and rapid task switching often conflicts with ADHD-related executive functioning difficulties. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with six stakeholders—including construction workers with ADHD, safety managers, and ADHD researchers—to explore the lived experiences of these workers and identify how emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) could provide better workplace support.

The research highlights that ADHD workers struggle with decision-making under pressure, particularly when unexpected site changes occur. Participants reported that high cognitive loads often lead to lapses in working memory, causing workers to skip steps or forget instructions. Furthermore, the study identifies a "safety culture stagnation" where hyperfocus—a common ADHD trait—can lead to tunnel vision, causing workers to miss critical environmental hazards. Socially, many participants reported feeling isolated or misunderstood by neurotypical supervisors, who often lack the empathy or training to accommodate neurodivergent cognitive styles.

To address these gaps, the authors propose that AI-enabled VR systems could act as a bridge between worker needs and site demands. Participants suggested that such systems should provide:

• Adaptive Attentional Scaffolding: Real-time, step-by-step visual guidance that reduces cognitive load by breaking complex tasks into manageable, sequential instructions.
• Mediated Social Presence: Tools that facilitate clearer communication and peer-to-peer modeling, allowing workers to learn from others in a low-risk virtual environment before executing tasks on-site.
• Motivational Support: Personalized feedback loops that help workers maintain engagement and manage time effectively without the need for constant, potentially stigmatizing, manual supervision.