Sean Cate

Sean Cate

August 11, 2024

Woman mocked for asking time blindness question in job interview

In today’s interconnected world, social media has become a powerful platform for individuals to share their experiences and opinions. Recently, a young woman named Sarah Trefren found herself at the center of a heated debate on TikTok after sharing her distressing job interview encounter regarding “time blindness.” 

Sarah Trefren’s emotional TikTok video narrated her job interview experience, where she asked about accommodations for individuals with “time blindness.” The response she received highlighted a widespread misunderstanding of the term and its impact on individuals in the workforce.1

@chaotic_philosopher

I’m tired of workers’ rights not being prioritized in this country. And we’re entitled for suggesting it should be different… I don’t think so. #workersrights #employeerights #workers #capitalismsucks #capitalism #thesystemisbroken #fyp

♬ original sound – ♻️🌎Chaotic Philosopher✝️🇵🇸

Understanding Time Blindness

Time blindness, while not a formal diagnosis, is a phenomenon often associated with conditions like ADHD. It refers to the difficulty individuals face in accurately judging the passage of time, leading to issues like underestimating task durations, chronic lateness, and losing track of time during activities.

Following the viral video, social media became a battleground of opinions. Thousands of users weighed in on Sarah’s experience, with many criticizing her stance and advocating for personal accountability. They argued that individuals should take responsibility for managing their time and employ strategies like alarms and schedules to overcome such an issue.2

Woman on TIKTOK discussing a job interview where she was mocked for asking a question regarding time blindness
Image credit: @chaotic_philosopher | TikTok

On the other hand, some users supported Sarah’s plea for workplace accommodations. They acknowledged that time blindness can be a real challenge for individuals and highlighted the importance of finding a balance between individual needs and workplace effectiveness. Occupational Therapist Selah Dimech emphasized the potential for flexibility in certain workplace settings, which could help accommodate individuals with time management challenges without compromising productivity.

Time Blindness and Workplace Culture

The discussion eventually expanded into a broader conversation about workplace culture and expectations. While some argued for a more empathetic and understanding approach, others pointed out the potential negative impact of accommodating time blindness in certain professions, such as healthcare or emergency services. They raised concerns about the consequences of tardiness and the need to adhere to strict schedules in critical work settings.

The notion of time blindness being prevalent among the younger generation, particularly Gen Z employees, prompted employers to consider how they can address this issue while ensuring a fair and inclusive work environment. HR experts stressed the importance of open communication and transparency between employers and employees. Employers were encouraged to be proactive in providing reasonable accommodations for diverse teams, such as flexible scheduling, mentorship, and time management tools.3

While employers have a role to play in providing accommodations, individuals with time blindness can also take proactive steps to minimize its effects. Experts suggest scheduling their day in advance, tracking time spent on tasks, and setting reminders and alarms to stay on track. Supervisors can be supportive by providing periodic check-ins and setting short-term objectives and deadlines to help individuals manage their time effectively.

Conclusion

Sarah Trefren’s viral TikTok video brought attention to the concept of time blindness and the challenges it poses for individuals in the workforce. The ensuing debate on social media highlighted contrasting viewpoints, underscoring the importance of empathy, understanding, and reasonable accommodations in modern workplaces. The key takeaway is that individuals and employers have a role in managing schedules. By fostering open communication and collaboration, workplaces can create an environment accommodating diverse working styles while promoting productivity and inclusivity. It is through such collective efforts that society can address challenges like time blindness and create a more supportive and equitable workplace for all.

Keep Reading: The Coffee Test & 6 other Invisible Tricks Job Interviewers Use to Vet You

Sources

  1. Young woman brutally mocked over ‘time blindness’ question during interview.” News. Ally Foster. July 20, 2023.
  2. ‘Don’t alarms kinda do that?’: Applicant says she was ridiculed for asking job to accommodate her ‘time blindness.’ It backfires.” Daily Dot. Braden Bjella. July 16, 2023.
  3. ‘Time blindness’ as an ‘issue’ on the job with younger workers: How to manage it.” Fox Business. Erica Lamberg. July 26, 2023.