Dyslexia and the workplace
Hana Dickinson
A conservative estimate is that one in 10 people in the UK has dyslexia, a 'learning difference which primarily affects reading and writing skills'. (1)
According to a report by the NGO Dyslexia and Literacy International, most countries are failing workers with dyslexia. (2) The Westminster AchieveAbility Commission (WAC) found that this was due to 'systematic barriers to employment' for those who are neurodivergent, which means their brains learn, function, and process information differently.
The report showed that workplace discrimination, lack of government support, and lack of awareness were contributing factors to creating an obstacle for dyslexic people searching for a job. In fact, 43% of those interviewed felt discouraged from applying, and 52% said they experienced discrimination during the recruitment process. (2)
As firm advocates of improving organisations through people, we champion the many positives, strengths, and benefits of investing in employees who think differently.
The strengths of thinking differently
A dyslexia-friendly workplace can have a positive effect on your company by introducing a wider set of skills to your business. The British Dyslexia Association describes the hallmarks of successful dyslexic people as big picture thinking, problem-solving, lateral thinking, visual strengths, and an intuitive understanding of how things work. (3)
The 'specific strengths' of people with dyslexia were found to help cover skills shortages in workplaces preparing for an automated future, in a report by consultancy EY and charity Made by Dyslexia. (4)
The in-demand capabilities typically seen in people with dyslexia, such as creativity, leadership, initiative, social influence, and idea generation, will be vital in all industries by 2022.
Kate Griggs, founder and CEO of Made by Dyslexia, said, "For decades dyslexic individuals have been expected to ‘fit in’, measured and benchmarked for the very skills they find challenging. Now, technology is replacing the need for these skills. In contrast, dyslexic thinking skills are the ‘in demand’ skills in this changing world of work.”
The power of imagination
One of the key skills needed for the future of the workplace is imagination. In his blog Dyslexia and Imagination, Sir Richard Branson noted how dyslexic people have shaped our world, "Thomas Edison illuminated our lives, Henry Ford made cars accessible to all, Steve Jobs gave us pocket computers." (5)
Describing imagination as one of humanity's greatest qualities, Branson noted that his dyslexia had shaped Virgin from day one and imagination was key to the company's success.
Addressing the new world of work, Branson said that with the rise of automation and AI, skills such as imagination, creativity, and problem solving will be in high demand. As such, "dyslexics have exactly the skills needed for the future workplace," and we should "support and celebrate all types of neurodiversity."
Untapped potential
Mark Evans, a managing director of marketing and digital at the insurance company Direct Line Group, describes neurodivergent people as "untapped potential". Putting dyslexia and neurodiversity at the heart of the Direct Line Group with external specialists and speakers, adjusted policies and procedures, and support groups resulted in a more creative workforce. (2)
“The best way to foster the talent in people with dyslexia is to identify it early and provide tailored support," said Margaret Malpas from the British Dyslexia Association. "With the right support, the dyslexic mind has amazing potential.” (2)
You can find out more about creating a more inclusive workplace for neurodiverse people here or get in touch to find out more about ABSTRACT and how we can help you.
References
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