1 Dyslexia: the secret ingredient for workplace innovation
Most research focuses on children or students, based on academic performance, with little on the workplace (Leather, 2023). According to the Adult Dyslexia Centre, one in ten employees is likely dyslexic. While awareness of dyslexia has greatly improved in the UK and the US, this talent remains underutilised. Dyslexia can be a barrier not only in education but also in the workplace, preventing individuals from progressing and succeeding in their careers.
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental condition that persists into adulthood, where cognitive demands and emotional experiences differ significantly from childhood (Smith-Spark, Gordon and Jansari, 2022). While there is some literature on dyslexia in the workplace, the impact on cognition and related aspects remains underexplored. As Smith-Spark et al. rightly say, these areas need more attention. Therefore, this section aims to explore the unique strengths and challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia in the workplace.
Engaging dyslexic strengths
A few notes about recognising and engaging the strengths of dyslexic individuals in the workplace:
- Unlock hidden talents – don’t overlook talented dyslexic individuals just because they don’t fit traditional criteria. They might not have perfect grades or spelling, but they bring unique strengths to the table. They thrive on novelty, change, and challenges, rather than routine tasks and strict rules. Employers who support a diverse workforce can reap huge benefits from these talents.
- Think outside the box – dyslexic and neurodiverse employees might seem hard to fit into a traditional system because they can often struggle with boundaries. They excel in lively, interactive environments, typically more so than with abstract, theoretical work. They need to see the meaning or importance of a task in order to truly engage with it. Recognise and utilise their talents, and your business will run more smoothly. They learn best from hands-on experience rather than meetings and long emails.
- Embrace the difference – dyslexic employees can sometimes be seen as a threat by others in the workplace for not following traditional systems and routines. Look for win-win situations, as they need to be able to work well with others.
- Resilience and grit – growing up with dyslexia can build the ability to withstand setbacks and failure, fostering resilience and grit. This can be a huge advantage when navigating the adult world.
- Performance matters – assess their performance through observation and oral evaluations.
- Tech to the rescue – provide assistive technology to support dyslexic employees in tasks they find challenging, allowing their creativity to shine. Starting from entry-level positions and providing support can nurture their talents.
Viewing dyslexia from a strength-based perspective and focusing on results rather than methods can lead to a workplace revolution, harnessing diverse strengths to create amazing teams.
