Dyslexia

Dyslexia is something that affects many adults at work. A condition typically talked about more in relation to children, it’s something that many people struggle to effectively manage as adults. There is an unnecessary lack of support and guidance on the topic.

On this page of our Disability Advice Hub, we want to provide advice and support for both employees dealing with dyslexia at work and the employers working with them. 

We also have pages dedicated to dyspraxia and dyscalculia. So, if you’re looking for advice on those conditions, check out their relevant pages on the Advice Hub.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that affects someone’s ability for learning and processing information, specifically affecting reading, writing and spelling. There are many different levels of dyslexia, ranging from manageable spelling difficulty to those who need to attend specialist schools for educational support.

Dyslexia is a very common learning difficulty, with around 1 in 10 people in the UK experiencing some level of it. It’s important to note that learning difficulties are different from learning disabilities. They do not affect a person’s ability to work or their intelligence. As such, with the proper support, the condition should have a minimal impact on someone’s ability in the workplace.

The exact cause of dyslexia is unknown, but it’s most commonly associated with family genetics and is usually diagnosed in childhood. However, schools have only recently become more accustomed to spotting the signs of dyslexia. Therefore, many adults were not diagnosed as children and now live with dyslexia unknowingly. 

For some, this does not impede their life significantly. However, others may struggle to complete basic tasks at work and in education simply because they lack the proper learning facilities around them.

Advice for Employees with Dyslexia

Dyslexia can manifest in many different ways. It can also have a knock-on effect on areas outside of reading and writing, such as attention deficit, short-term memory, organisation and time management, and physical coordination. 

Common symptoms

The most common symptoms to affect learning ability include:

• Problems expressing ideas succinctly in written work. A person may have the right knowledge and ideas but struggle to communicate them clearly through writing.
• Slow reading and writing
• Poor spelling
• Putting letters in the wrong order
• Struggle to plan and organise
• Problems digesting written information and directions

Diagnosis

If you relate to these symptoms and feel as though you might have dyslexia, you can go for a formal assessment. This is most accessible through a school or university, but if you are out of full-time education you should get in touch with your local dyslexia association, and they can guide you. You can also chat with your GP about your options for external help and diagnosis. 

Support

With the correct help, somebody with dyslexia can be successful in any role. You may need extra time to complete tasks or different technology, however, it is important to note that employers must make these reasonable adjustments in the workplace for people with disabilities and conditions. So, needing extra support isn’t a problem or something that will stop you from working. That support can and should be provided at work. 

Unique skills

It’s key to remember your unique skills as a dyslexic person, and not focus on the problems or difficulties. 

People with dyslexia often excel in areas, such as 

• problem-solving
• creativity
• narrative reasoning
• empathy
• emotional skills 

Some careers which might suit these skills include graphic designers, mechanics, engineers, counsellors and therapists. 

People with dyslexia may choose to go on to teaching, to help others who have learning difficulties like themselves. The fact that verbal communication is a core element of education is another incentive for going into teaching.

Working with dyslexia

Are you currently employed in a profession that you enjoy but feel like your dyslexia is holding you back?

In that case, you should approach your employer to discuss what changes could help you succeed. Asking for support to improve your ability and productivity is a sign of dedication and commitment to the job.

Dyslexia can be very easily managed and supported in the workplace, and no employee should feel ashamed to ask for the right help. It’s all about using your strengths to your advantage and asking for support in the areas you struggle with. 

Advice for Employers Supporting Employees with Dyslexia

It’s important (and mandatory) that employers offer adequate and appropriate support to employees with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Do your research and learn as much as you can about how it affects adults at work. Reading this page on our Advice Hub is a great start. 

Reasonable adjustments

One of the most important ways you can support an employee with dyslexia is via reasonable adjustments. These are the changes and modifications to work and the working environment that you must legally make for disabled employees. 

If you need help financially with implementing these adjustments, the Access to Work scheme may be able to help you.

There are some simple adjustments you can make to the office and work routine of your employees to support dyslexic staff. For example:

Assistive Technology

There are many computer programmes and systems which you can install that can help people with dyslexia, including 

• text-to-speak functions: enable people to listen to text on a computer instead of reading it
• word processing software: helps with spelling and grammar
• digital recorders: allow staff to record meetings and listen back later to take in the information slowly.

Verbal Instructions

People with dyslexia sometimes struggle to absorb written instructions. As such, consider explaining tasks in person instead of sending an email or documents. 

You can also regularly check in with your employees face to face to make sure they have understood any written communication that has been sent. 

Allowing Extra Time

Dyslexic staff may need longer to complete tasks at work, especially things involving reading and writing. You could set alternative deadlines and allow for more flexible working hours to accommodate the extra time.

It’s important to remember that dyslexia can manifest differently for different people. Therefore, it’s wise to speak with your staff directly to see what individual support they need. Never make assumptions or decide what a member of staff needs without their input and consent.

Listening to someone openly and non-judgementally is the paramount first step to supporting them fully at work.

How We Can Help 

If you’re a dyslexic job seeker looking for a job with the support you need, we can help you find it at Careers with Disabilities. 

We have an inclusive job board with a wide range of employment opportunities for disabled people across the UK. These jobs can give you the most supportive environment possible so that you may thrive at work.

If you’re an employer who would like to increase their inclusivity and diversity at work, we can help you too. 

We have bespoke services for employers that can help you connect with disabled job seekers in an accessible and inclusive way. You can also make the most of our disability-friendly jobs board by posting your own opportunities. 

We want to help disabled people get the jobs they want and the jobs they deserve. 

Let’s work together to do that.