Boost Focus & Productivity: The FLOWS Framework for Neurodivergent Teams

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Woman using headphones to boost focus and productivity, representing the FLOWS Framework for neurodivergent teams.

By Jenna McCaffery | Director of Engagement & Innovation

Imagine if your team could tap into a state of deep focus, where creativity peaks, time flies, and productivity soars. This is the essence of “flow” – a cognitive state defined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, where individuals are fully absorbed in an activity, losing track of time and distractions. This concept, known as the flow state, is particularly valuable in today’s fast-paced work environments.

Starting as an HR Consultant, and now Director of Engagement & Innovation at FIT HR, my role has evolved in unexpected ways. Occasionally, I joke that my current title sounds a little made-up. And, well, it kind of was! My position was shaped by identifying where I could best utilize my strengths – like connecting the dots in unexpected ways, making work more engaging, and finding creative solutions to keep things moving forward. Our Founder and CEO, Amanda Mayo, genuinely prioritizes Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, which enables our whole team to function at their highest frequencies by empowering us to show up as we are – no masks required – allowing us to showcase our strengths. All organizations can benefit from taking a similar approach, which results in creating roles that let their team members focus on what they’re best at and contribute in the most meaningful ways.

This personal journey led me to create the FLOWS™ Framework, designed specifically for teams – and especially neurodivergent individuals like myself who navigate with ADHD. It’s not just about adding more structure; it’s about finding the right balance of challenge, clarity, and support to help people do their best work. For many of us, focus can sometimes feel like a superpower when we’re in the right zone, and the FLOWS™ Framework helps create the conditions for that to happen.

What is the FLOWS Framework?

The FLOWS Framework helps businesses create the right conditions for focus and engagement. It’s especially useful for neurodivergent individuals, like those with ADHD, who might experience hyperfocus – an intense concentration that’s similar to flow. But its benefits extend to any team looking to be more focused and effective.


FLOWS™ stands for:

F – Focus on Clear Goals

L – Leverage Challenges and Skills

O- Optimize Your Environment

W – Work in Time Blocks

S – Seek Immediate Feedback

Let’s explore each component and how it can drive performance within your team.

The elements of the flows framework

1. Focus on Clear Goals
Flow begins with clearly defined goals. Knowing exactly what success looks like helps your team focus and reach that “in the zone” state. This is particularly important for neurodivergent individuals who excel with clear, actionable objectives.

  • Tip: Break down bigger projects into manageable steps and use visual task boards to track progress and stay focused

2. Leverage Challenges and Skills
Flow happens when there’s a balance between challenge and skill. Tasks should be engaging but not overwhelming. For neurodivergent individuals, especially those with ADHD, this balance can spark periods of intense, hyper-focused productivity.

  • Tip: Regularly adjust tasks as team members’ skills grow to keep the challenge stimulating and prevent burnout.

3. Optimize Your Environment
Distractions can quickly break flow, so creating spaces where people can focus is key. For neurodivergent individuals, creating sensory-friendly environments – like quiet zones or reducing visual clutter – can make a big difference for staying in flow.

  • Tip: Encourage the use of focus tools, such as noise-canceling headphones and focus apps to create a work environment that supports deep work.

4. Work in Time Blocks
Using structured time blocks, like the Pomodoro Technique (working for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break), can help keep focus levels consistent. This method can be especially helpful for individuals with ADHD, offering a clear rhythm to the workday.

  • Tip: Schedule demanding tasks during times of the day when you feel most alert and use time-tracking tools to manage focus intervals.

5. Seek Immediate Feedback

Frequent feedback is a great motivator, especially for individuals who thrive on external input. It helps people adjust their approach and stay on track towards their goals.

  • Tip: Create a culture where feedback is open, frequent, and focuses on making steady progress rather than aiming for perfection.

Why the FLOWS Framework Boosts Productivity for Teams

The FLOWS™ Framework is a practical and flexible approach that benefits neurodivergent individuals and entire teams by fostering focus, hyperfocus, and productivity. Traditional work structures can be limiting for neurodivergent employees, but the FLOWS™ Framework accommodates diverse thinking styles, allowing team members to achieve outstanding results. By emphasizing clear goals, balanced challenges, optimized environments, structured time, and immediate feedback, this framework helps create a flow-friendly workplace where work feels almost effortless, empowering every team member to reach their full potential.

Get Started today!

Bring the FLOWS™ Framework to your team today – download the free checklist here for a step-by-step guide to enhance focus, engagement, and performance. The checklist will guide you through each element to create a more focused, engaged, and high-performing team.

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