Dyslexia Awareness Week, observed from October 7th to 13th, is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about dyslexia and promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for those affected by it.
For HR professionals and organisational leaders, Dyslexia Awareness Week is an opportunity to better understand dyslexia, its impact on employees, and how to implement effective support strategies in the workplace.
Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that primarily affects skills involved in reading, spelling, and writing. It is a neurological condition that affects around 10% of the population, varying in severity from person to person. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence but rather how the brain processes written and spoken language.
Key Characteristics of Dyslexia:
- Reading Difficulties: Individuals with dyslexia may read slowly and with difficulty, often needing to re-read text to understand it fully.
- Spelling Challenges: Spelling can be inconsistent and often incorrect, even with familiar words.
- Writing Struggles: Writing can be laborious, with issues in organising thoughts coherently and structuring sentences.
- Memory Issues: Short-term memory can be affected, making it difficult to remember instructions or information.
The Impact of Dyslexia in the Workplace
Dyslexia can significantly impact an employee’s performance and experience in the workplace, presenting unique challenges but also unique strengths:
Challenges:
- Communication Barriers: Difficulties with reading and writing can lead to misunderstandings or slower completion of tasks that require these skills.
- Organisational Skills: Dyslexia can affect an individual’s ability to organise and prioritise tasks, which can impact productivity.
- Self-Esteem: Repeated difficulties and misunderstandings can lead to frustration and lowered self-esteem, impacting overall job satisfaction and performance.
Strengths:
- Problem-Solving Skills: Many individuals with dyslexia develop strong problem-solving skills and creative thinking as they find alternative ways to learn and work.
- Verbal Communication: Some may excel in verbal communication and interpersonal skills, which are valuable in many roles.
- Attention to Detail: Dyslexic individuals often have a heightened ability to notice details that others might overlook.
How Organisations and Leaders Can Get Involved
There are several ways that organisations and leaders can participate in Dyslexia Awareness Week and support employees with dyslexia:
- Awareness Campaigns: Use internal communication channels to share information about Dyslexia Awareness Week and educate employees about what dyslexia is and how it affects individuals. Highlight success stories and the strengths dyslexic individuals bring to the workplace.
- Training Programs: Offer training sessions for managers and staff to understand dyslexia better and learn how to support colleagues effectively. This can include recognising signs of dyslexia and implementing inclusive practices.
- Accessible Communication: Ensure all communications are clear and accessible. Use bullet points, clear fonts, and avoid jargon to make written information easier to digest.
- Assistive Technology: Provide access to assistive technologies such as text-to-speech software, spell checkers, and organisational tools that can help dyslexic employees perform their tasks more efficiently.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexible work arrangements that allow employees to manage their workload in ways that suit their strengths, such as flexible hours or the option to work from home.
- Support Networks: Establish support networks or employee resource groups where dyslexic employees can share experiences and strategies, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
Further Reading and Resources
For those interested in learning more about dyslexia and how to support employees with dyslexia, the following resources offer valuable insights:
For more information on Dyslexia Awareness Week and how to get involved, visit the official campaign website British Dyslexia Association.
Workplace Wellbeing Professional and Dyslexia
To read some of our exclusive feature articles relating to neurodiversity and dyslexia in the workplace, follow the links below (with much more to be found under ‘neurodiversity’ and dyslexia in the topic index):
- Jeni Wilkie: Is your office neurodiversity friendly? Tips for inclusive office design
- Olivia-Louise Hamilton: Neuroinclusion – creating a mentally healthy workplace for all brains
- Tracey Paxton: Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace
Don’t forget…
Read our expert guide for managers below:
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.
