As employers, it’s essential to recognise and support employees who have dyslexia, a common learning disorder that affects approximately 1 in 10 individuals worldwide. Dyslexia can impact an individual’s ability to read, write, and spell, making it a crucial aspect of workplace inclusivity and employee well-being.
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurological disorder that affects the way the brain processes language. It’s often characterised by difficulties with:
- Decoding and reading words
- Spelling and writing
- Organising and planning
- Remembering sequences and patterns
Common misconceptions about dyslexia
- Dyslexia is a lack of intelligence: Dyslexia is not related to intelligence or cognitive ability. People with dyslexia can be highly intelligent and capable.
- Dyslexia is only for children: Dyslexia can affect individuals of all ages, including adults.
- Dyslexia is a visual problem: Dyslexia is primarily a processing disorder, affecting the brain’s language processing centres.
How to support employees with dyslexia in the workplace
- Create a supportive environment: Encourage employees to disclose their dyslexia without fear of stigma or judgment.
- Provide accommodations: Offer accommodations such as:
- Text-to-speech software
- Speech-to-text software
- Assistive technology
- Extra time to complete tasks
- Flexible communication methods: Allow employees to communicate in ways that work best for them, such as:
- Email instead of phone calls
- Written reports instead of verbal presentations
- Training and awareness: Educate employees on dyslexia, its effects, and how to support colleagues with dyslexia.
- Manager training: Provide training for managers on how to support employees with dyslexia, including:
- Understanding the impact of dyslexia on daily work
- Identifying signs of dyslexia-related stress
- Providing accommodations and support
The benefits of supporting employees with dyslexia
- Increased employee engagement: By providing a supportive environment, employees with dyslexia are more likely to feel engaged and motivated.
- Improved employee retention: Employees with dyslexia are more likely to stay with an organisation that supports their needs.
- Enhanced diversity and inclusion: Supporting employees with dyslexia demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Conclusion
By understanding and supporting employees with dyslexia, organisations can create a more inclusive and diverse workplace culture. By recognising the challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia, we can work together to create a more supportive and accommodating environment.
What strategies has your organisation implemented to support employees with dyslexia?
[References: International Dyslexia Association, Dyslexia Foundation]
