Managing dyslexic employees

Team leading / 20 January 2011

Dyslexia is a learning neurological disorder that affects approximately one in 10 people in the UK workforce. Here’s how to identify the signs and provide support

Recognise the signs
Dyslexia is often referred to as the ‘hidden disability’ as there are no visible physical signs. The most obvious things to look out for include inconsistent spelling, poor time-keeping, difficulties understanding written directions and taking notes at meetings, and a disorganised workspace
 
Educate managers
It is vital that line managers throughout the company are trained in what to look for and how best to maximise the work performance of a dyslexic employee. Every strategy and hint that follows will only be successful if an organisation’s managers are aware of their employee’s dyslexia and are able to take it into consideration during their regular work schedule

Communicate clearly
People with dyslexia may often experience difficulty remembering and following verbal instructions. Ideally, any instructions should be given clearly and concisely and if detailed, check that the person understands. This should then be followed up by an email which reinforces the given instructions

Allocate a workspace away from doors, phones and loud machinery and, preferably, a quiet room for themselves or a bookable room for times when they need to concentrate on a specific task.

Sharon Goldie, consultant, iansyst Ltd

Avoid assumptions
The manager also needs to make sure that any instructions that have been given, especially those presented in a group environment, did not require any assumptions on the part of the employee. If they did, make sure to confirm that the employee is clear on exactly what is required of them before going ahead with any work or project plans

Give verbal, not written, instructions
Many dyslexic people have a specific difficulty taking in information that is written down, so look for alternative ways of communicating. Give instructions both verbally and in written format, and try providing them on coloured paper or setting up a computer screen with coloured backgrounds. Different colours have shown to help a person with dyslexia read and there are short and simple tests to determine the exact colour which works best to alleviate some of their difficulties

Keep the noise down
Some dyslexic people struggle to concentrate in open-plan offices because of the noise and variety of distractions. Allocate a workspace away from doors, phones and loud machinery and, preferably, a quiet room for themselves or a bookable room for times when they need to concentrate on a specific task. Working from home occasionally will allow them to concentrate on their work in a familiar and stress-free environment

Limit interruptions
Where possible, other members of staff should be encouraged not to interrupt the employee, especially during times where intense concentration is required

Use available technologies
Text-to-speech software, onscreen word banks and predictive software can significantly improve the written work of a dyslexic employee

Source: Sharon Goldie, Consultant at iansyst Ltd