If you have ADHD, you will probably know the feeling: the day disappears, a quick email turns into an hour, and the task that mattered most is still waiting at five o’clock. Time blindness and task switching are some of the most common challenges ADHD brings to the workplace. EARLY (Access to Work Edition) is a time-management tool that makes time something you can see and touch, and it has been packaged with Access to Work funding in mind.
This post explains what EARLY is, how it helps with ADHD at work, what the Access to Work Edition includes, and how to get it recommended through Access to Work.
What is EARLY?
EARLY (formerly Timeular) is a time-tracking system made up of a physical, eight-sided tracker cube and the EARLY Pro app. You assign an activity to each side of the cube, such as emails, meetings, report writing or admin, and flip the cube to start timing that task. Each flip is recorded automatically in the EARLY dashboard, so you and your team can review where working time actually goes. EARLY can track over 1,000 different activities.
EARLY is a technology company that specialises in time management. NeuroDrive is not part of EARLY, but we are the exclusive UK reseller of its Access to Work solution, so a neurodiversity specialist is on hand to help you get the most out of it.
How EARLY helps with ADHD in the workplace
- It makes time tangible. Flipping a physical cube is a deliberate action. It marks the start of a task in a way a timer on a screen often does not.
- It reduces distraction. Having a physical device on your desk is a simple, visible prompt to stay with the task you chose.
- It shows where the time goes. The dashboard highlights the small activities that quietly take up a large share of the day, so you can delegate, batch or drop them.
- It helps build a habit. Because tracking takes one flip rather than typing, it is easier to keep going long enough to see patterns.
- It supports conversations at work. Real data on how your time is spent can help when you talk to your manager about workload, priorities or adjustments.
EARLY works best alongside strategies such as the Pomodoro Technique, the Eisenhower Matrix and body doubling, all of which our coaches use with clients.
What’s included in EARLY: Access to Work Edition?
The Access to Work Edition is £339 + VAT and includes:
- one EARLY tracker cube
- a 3-year subscription to EARLY Pro
The app runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with a web app and companion apps for iOS and Android. The cube connects by Bluetooth Low Energy; older Windows PCs may need a compatible USB adapter.
To get the most from it, we recommend two hours of assistive technology training and around three hours of ADHD coaching with an experienced coach who knows the product and time-management skills well. Both are delivered remotely.
Can I get EARLY through Access to Work?
Access to Work is a government grant that can help pay for practical support at work, including specialist equipment, assistive software and support such as a job coach. According to GOV.UK, you can apply if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability that means you need support to do your job, you are 16 or over, you are in or about to start paid work, and you live and work in England, Scotland or Wales. ADHD is one of the conditions GOV.UK lists, and you do not need a diagnosis to apply. Read more in our guide: Do you need a diagnosis for Access to Work?
For EARLY to be funded, your workplace assessor needs to list it in your assessment report, with the reason it is needed. If NeuroDrive carries out your workplace needs assessment, we will do this for you. If another provider is assessing you, ask them to contact us and we will provide a quotation for your report.
The grant does not have to be paid back and does not affect your other benefits. Your employer still has a duty to make reasonable adjustments.
For workplace assessors
Yes, you can recommend EARLY Access to Work Edition on your reports. You can add EARLY, training and coaching to our Assessor Quote Basket and receive a dated PDF quote by email, ready for your report.
Frequently asked questions
Is EARLY only for people with ADHD?
No. EARLY can help anyone whose condition affects time management, focus or executive function. We have identified it as particularly helpful for our clients with ADHD.
Do I need to be good with technology to use EARLY?
No. Tracking is as simple as flipping the cube. The recommended two hours of training covers setting up your activities and reading the dashboard so it fits your role.
How do I get a quote for EARLY?
Assessors can build a quote in the Assessor Quote Basket. Anyone else can email us at [email protected] or visit the EARLY page.
Take control of your working day
If time management is one of the biggest barriers you face at work, EARLY combined with training and ADHD coaching could make a real difference, and Access to Work may help pay for it.