It is estimated that 15% of the population have dyslexia and/or other specific learning differences (SpLD), therefore it’s highly probable that there will be neurodiversity within any workplace. Organisations must commit to being a dyslexia-friendly organisation by supporting staff with dyslexia and/or other specific learning differences (SpLD) by applying reasonable adjustments to their workplace.
Dyslexia is a hidden disability and is therefore a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 which the Trust is under the Public Sector Equality Duty to uphold. As such, where a diagnosis of dyslexia is made then the Trust must make reasonable adjustments to staffs working environment or working conditions to reduce h the impact of the SpLD. For example, if a member of staff has difficulties working with a computer for long periods then a reasonable adjustment might be to ensure that they avoid continuous all day computer work.
Being dyslexia-friendly makes good business sense and embedding this ethos within the Trust benefits everyone; it enables our staff to fulfil their potential and also supports our dyslexic service users and other stakeholders.
Dyslexia is a neurological difference and can have a significant impact during education, in the workplace and in everyday life. As each person is unique, so is everyone’s experience of dyslexia. It can range from mild to severe, and it can co-occur with other learning differences. It usually runs in families and is a life-long condition.
It is important to remember that there are positives to thinking differently. Many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields.
Neurodiversity can be a significant asset to an organisation, bringing a different dimension to problem-solving or creativity in the way that an organisation operates and delivers its products and/or services.
Alongside meeting legal requirements there are many benefits to raising the awareness of dyslexia in the workplace and creating a dyslexia friendly work environment. It helps to establish an inclusive culture for all employees and ensures that individuals can use their strengths, such as atypical problem-solving and creativity. It means that organisations are striving to support staff, to get the best from them and the best for the organisation.
Creating a dyslexia friendly workplace doesn’t have to involve expensive changes. It often just takes some thought, and small changes can make a dramatic difference.
Things to consider:
- Staff awareness of dyslexia, and the challenges and strengths it presents.
- A flexible and supportive approach.
- Introduction of assistive technology.
- Changing communication methods i.e. printing company-wide information on different coloured paper, or in a larger font, or making it available as an audio file.
A dyslexia friendly workplace can reduce stress, increase morale and motivation. This is turn can have an impact on reducing staff turnover and sickness leave.
How can I support my dyslexic employees?
As well as meeting your obligations under the Equality Act 2010, supporting your employees makes good business sense. Effective changes don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming, often small organisational changes can help to get the very best from your employee.
It’s worth keeping in mind that any changes you make to your way of working can benefit all employees, not just those with dyslexia, and may also benefit your dyslexic customers and clients.
Examples of Reasonable Adjustments
The British Dyslexia Association provides the following examples of reasonable adjustments for commonly reported difficulties:
Reading
- Give verbal as well as written instructions
- Highlight important points in documents
- Use voicemail rather than written memos
- Supply screen-reading software or a Reading Pen
- Print resources on coloured paper, and change background colour of computer screens and presentations
Reading and writing
- Allow plenty of time to read and complete a task
- Discuss the material with the employee, giving summaries and/or key points
- Present information in other formats e.g. audio or video, drawings, diagrams and flowcharts
- Offer/use mind-mapping software
- Offer/use digital recorders
- Offer/use speech to text software
- Ask someone else to take the Minutes of meetings
Spelling and grammar
- Spell checker on all computers
- Offer assistive text software on all applications, where possible
Computer work
- Change background colour of screen to suit individual preference
- Supply anti-glare screen filter
- Allow frequent breaks, at least every hour
- Alternate computer work with other tasks where possible
- Avoid continuous all day computer work
Verbal communication
- Give instructions one at a time, slowly and clearly without distractions
- Write down important information or encourage the employee to take notes
- Write a memo outlining a plan of action
- Provide a digital recorder to record presentations/training
- Check understanding
Concentration
- Make sure there is a quiet space available away from distractions such as doors, busy phones, loud machinery
- Allocate a private workspace if possible
- Allow an employee to work from home occasionally, if possible
- Use a “do not disturb” sign when tasks require intense concentration
- If interrupting, allow the person to pause and write down what they are doing to refer to when resuming work
Appointments and deadlines
- Remind the person of important deadlines and review priorities regularly
- Encourage the employee to use the daily calendar and alarm features on his/her computer or work phone.
Tips for organisation of property
- Ensure that work areas are organised, neat and tidy
- Keep items where they can be clearly seen for example shelves and bulletin boards
- Ensure the team returns important items to the same place each time
- Colour code items, if appropriate
- Ensure work areas are well lit
Organising workflow
- Prioritise important tasks
- Create a daily, dated “To Do” list
- Use and share diaries
- Write a layout for regular tasks with appropriate prompts for example for meetings or taking notes
- Build planning time into each day
Supporting directional difficulties
- Always try to use the same route
- Show the route and visible landmarks
- Give time to practise going from one place to another
- Supply detailed maps
- Supply GPS car navigation system
JD
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