Dyslexia in the Workplace

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty (SpLD) that mainly affects reading and writing skills. It can impact the way that someone processes and remembers information, and has been linked to difficulties with concentration, organization and physical coordination, all of which can present specific challenges in the workplace.

But, "dyslexic thinking" can also add value to your team and organization. Dyslexic people often think differently about things and, as such, approach problems in different ways, all of which can improve creativity, innovation, diversity of thought, and offer novel problem solving solutions. 

In this article, we explain what dyslexia is, we reveal some of the challenges faced by dyslexic people, and we explore how you can support dyslexic colleagues, so that they can thrive and succeed at work.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurological difference – or neurodivergence   – believed to affect between 10 and 20 percent of the global population. [1] [2] It often runs in families and is a lifelong condition.

It's the most common specific learning difficulty (SpLD), and people with dyslexia learn in a different way to others, or have trouble with aspects of learning. The term "dyslexia" means "difficulty with words," and the most common indicators involve reading, writing and spelling. [3] However, dyslexia is not linked to intelligence. [4]

The condition can also impact the way in which people handle, organize and retain all types of information. And many people with dyslexia report problems with concentration, memory and physical coordination.
However, it can bring benefits as well as challenges. Many dyslexic people have above-average reasoning skills, and they often excel in visual and creative fields. [5] In fact, since 2022, "dyslexic thinking" has been a recognized skill on LinkedIn. [6]

Dyslexic thinking refers to an approach to problem solving taken by dyslexic people that involves pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, lateral thinking and interpersonal communication. Some research also suggests that dyslexic individuals have particularly strong visual-spatial skills and can recognize shapes and figures faster than neurotypical people. [7]

What Are the Signs of Dyslexia?

Because the signs are so varied, and the impact can range from mild to severe, dyslexia is classed as a "spectrum condition." Every person with dyslexia experiences it differently. [8]

No one characteristic on its own can be used to diagnose the condition, but it's useful to know what to look for. Here are some of the common traits associated with dyslexia:

• Reading or writing much more slowly than other people.
• Getting confused by words that look similar, such as "hot" and "hat."
• Experiencing letters moving or jumping as you read them.
• Confusing similar letters, like p and q, or b and d.
• Forgetting common spellings, or not noticing when they're wrong.
• Finding it hard to "skim" text for meaning.
• Struggling to organize thoughts on paper or on screen.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Failing to remember facts and figures.
• Difficulty following several instructions at once.
• Finding some relatively straightforward tasks unexpectedly hard.
• Having problems with personal organization, prioritization, and time management.

As a starting point, there are various dyslexia checklists and screening tools available online. They can't deliver a diagnosis of dyslexia, but they can be helpful for understanding more about it. And if you suspect that you may have dyslexia, they can be useful indicators for whether you should consider getting specialist advice.

Attaining a recognized diagnosis of dyslexia requires a formal Diagnostic Assessment. For a list of organizations that may be able to recommend an approved assessor, see the FAQs later in this article. Your organization's HR department may also be able to help you to arrange an assessment.

Coping With Dyslexia in the Workplace

The impact of someone's dyslexia at work depends on a number of factors, including the severity of their condition; the particular ways in which it affects them; the tasks they're required to do; and the support they receive.

And things can change quickly. If someone's given new responsibilities, required to work in a new way, or has certain support removed, their dyslexia may suddenly become a problem, even if it was manageable or even unnoticeable before.

Here are some of the common ways dyslexia can impact someone at work:

• Verbal communication. People with dyslexia can struggle to understand what others are saying, particularly if they need to do so at speed. They may also have difficulties expressing themselves verbally.
• Written communication. Dyslexia can prevent some people from communicating quickly, clearly and accurately in writing.
• Instructions. It may also affect their ability to follow written instructions, or to understand and remember the information that they read.
• Organization. Dyslexia makes it hard for some people to organize their thinking, their time, their to-do lists – even their equipment and personal property.
• Energy and engagement. All of these issues can have a knock-on effect on someone's energy levels, as well as their confidence to meet new people and take on new projects.
• Emotional wellbeing. Dyslexia can have an even deeper emotional impact, if it leaves people feeling "different," isolated, embarrassed, or less intelligent or capable than they really are.

Managing Your Dyslexia at Work

So, what can you do to help yourself, if you have dyslexia – or any of the traits associated with it?

1. Let Someone Know

First, let your manager know, so that you can discuss any support you might need.

If you feel comfortable doing so, discuss it with your colleagues. You can talk about what you find hard, but also about your strengths – so that you can perform at your best as part of the team.

2. Know Your Rights

In many places, people with dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence have specific protections in workplace law. Be alert to any form of discrimination against you because of your dyslexia, and find out whether you're entitled to extra care from your employer to ensure equity with other workers. In the U.K., for example, dyslexia is covered by the Equality Act 2010, and in the U.S. by the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.

3. Make the Most of Your Strengths

Think about what your dyslexia gives you – better visual imagination, for example, or a flair for innovation – and look for opportunities to shine. And if your dyslexia has provided you with a greater understanding of neurodiversity itself, think about how you can feed some of that knowledge back into the life and work of your organization.

How to Support Dyslexic Colleagues

If you're a manager, you'll almost certainly have someone with dyslexia on your team, now or in the future – so learn about the condition. This will help you spot any problems people face because of their dyslexia, even if they don't talk to you about them directly.

1. Explore Your Legal Position

Managers and their organizations often have responsibilities to people with dyslexia that are laid down in law. For example, you may be required to make "reasonable adjustments" to address people's specific needs.
Employers who do not fulfill their legal responsibilities can be held accountable for failing to meet these requirements. For example, a woman with dyslexia won a discrimination case against Starbucks in 2016.

2. Provide Support Based on People's Unique Needs

You may understand some of the common aspects of dyslexia, but remember everyone's experience is different.
While every person with dyslexia experiences it uniquely, there are common strategies that many find beneficial.

Before making any changes, it's crucial to consult with your team member to understand their specific needs.
Here are some typical adjustments that you might consider:

• Providing appropriate software – like screen readers; speech-to-text apps; extensions that highlight spelling or grammar mistakes; or artificial intelligence (AI) tools that summarize research or structure reports.
• Purchasing useful equipment – such as an anti-glare filter to make screen reading easier, or noise-canceling headphones to improve focus.
• Allowing flexible hours – to build in more rest, and to let them take longer for challenging tasks.
• Giving people more time to prepare – allow them sufficient time to read complicated papers, for example, or more notice to deliver a presentation.

3. Explore Learning Opportunities

Discuss any learning, development or training that might help the person to manage their dyslexia. Consider training and awareness-raising events for the whole team, too. That way, people with dyslexia feel looked after and understood – and their teammates know how best to support them.

4. Adapt Your Communication Style

Think about what you need to communicate and how best to do this. For example, would dyslexic team members get more from an in-person briefing than from reading your written instructions? Could you give more structure to meetings, to make them easier to follow and remember? Do you really need people to write detailed reports – or would bullet points work just as well?

5. Provide Additional Support

Ask your team member whether they would benefit from additional support, such as extra reminders of key deadlines, tools and equipment that assist with workload organization, as well as scheduling apps and notification of tasks and deadlines.

Remember that stress can make it harder to cope with dyslexia. During times of change and uncertainty or periods of increased workload or pressure, people with dyslexia may need further additional support.

6. Make the Most of "Dyslexic Thinking"

People with dyslexia process information in divergent, creative and lateral ways, paving the way for innovation and creativity. In fact, research by Julie Logan, professor of entrepreneurship at Cass Business School, found that 35 percent of U.S. company founders identified themselves as dyslexic, compared with 13 percent of the general population. [9]

While it's important not to make assumptions about your colleague's talents, if you do discover that your dyslexic team member has particular skills, such as creativity, innovation, slogan writing, logo design… give them the right opportunities to shine!

Creating a Dyslexia-Friendly Workplace

Organizations that support people with dyslexia, and neurodiversity in general, perform better because of it. Research suggests that their people are happier, their communications are more effective, their ideas are more innovative, and they can gain a clear competitive advantage as a result. [10]

So, how dyslexia-friendly is your workplace?

Here are some of the hallmarks of a dyslexia-friendly workplace:

• Communications, both internal and external, are written with dyslexic people in mind. For example, they use fonts that improve readability, like Arial, Comic Sans or Verdana, and text and background colors are chosen with care. The British Dyslexia Association has a comprehensive dyslexia style guide to help with this.
• For all online information sharing, dyslexia-friendly workplaces follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). After all, best practice for people with dyslexia will make websites easier to use, more effective, and more enjoyable for everyone!
• Work areas are kept organized and tidy, with commonly used items or supplies clearly labeled – using images or colors as well as words – or kept in clear view.
• They set up support groups, where people with dyslexia can meet to discuss their experiences, share encouragement and advice, and gain a shared "voice" within the organization.
• They actively encourage people with dyslexia to join their organization. [10] They make sure that their recruitment materials are as clear as possible, for example. When interviewing, they look for people's strengths. And they notice when the positive elements of a candidate's "dyslexic thinking" might add extra value to the organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes Dyslexia?

The exact causes are unknown, but it appears to have a genetic basis, and often runs in families. It's likely that key genes inherited from parents combine to affect some aspects of brain development during early life. [12]

How Common Is Dyslexia?

Estimates vary, but it's likely that between 10 and 20 percent of the global population is affected by dyslexia. Dyslexia is by far the most common form of neurodivergence. [1] [2]

What Are the Four Types of Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is sometimes divided into four types – although many people with dyslexia experience aspects of more than one of them. The four types are:

• Phonological dyslexia: typically involves problems with processing the sounds of letters and syllables, and difficulty matching them to writing on a page or screen.
• Surface dyslexia: characterized by a struggle to recognize or remember whole words.
• Rapid naming deficit: where someone may find it hard to name a letter, object, number, or color quickly.
• Double deficit dyslexia: a combination of types one and three above. [13]

What Organizations Offer Support to People With Dyslexia?

Here are some of the most active dyslexia support organizations worldwide:

• International Dyslexia Association
• The Dyslexia Association
• Learning Disabilities Association of America
• Australian Dyslexia Association
• The Dyslexia Foundation