How do workplace cultures reinforce masking in men with ADHD?

Many workplaces reward stoicism, endurance, and emotional suppression, especially for men. For men with ADHD, this often means hiding struggles, overworking to compensate, and avoiding help to appear competent. Masking may look like perfectionism, staying late, not asking questions, or silently absorbing stress. While this can help someone survive short term, it often comes at the cost of exhaustion and emotional disconnection. Men are also less likely to be diagnosed early, so they may frame their difficulties as personal failure rather than neurodivergence. Over time, constant masking can worsen anxiety, depression, and burnout. Cultures that normalize accommodations, flexibility, and honest conversations about workload reduce the pressure to mask and allow people to work in ways that are actually sustainable.