For employers, creating a workplace environment conducive to helping employees with dyslexia can be challenging. Statistics show that up to 10% of the population are dyslexic, and these individuals can benefit from tailored support regarding workplace tasks.
Dyslexia is an easily misunderstood condition that can present significant learning and communication difficulties for those affected. As an employer, it is essential to consider how you can create the right conditions and environment to help employees with dyslexia get the most out of their roles and make sure they feel supported in their work.
This article will outline four tips for employers looking to support their staff members with dyslexia. These tips focus on developing effective strategies to equip employees with the tools they need to succeed in their roles and build an inclusive culture that values differences.
Create Clear Expectations
When it comes to helping employees with dyslexia, one of the most important things employers can do is ensure that expectations are clearly communicated. Setting clear objectives and expectations for each job role helps ensure that your employee understands what is expected of them and how they need to perform to succeed.
Providing regular feedback and setting measurable goals can help ensure that your employee is progressing in their job role. For instance, if you notice an employee struggling with a particular task, it may be beneficial to break it down into smaller steps and provide specific guidance on completing each step. This can help ensure that they can understand and accomplish the task promptly.
In addition, employers should also be flexible with deadlines and provide support if needed. Creating a supportive environment that focuses on celebrating successes rather than mistakes can help dyslexic employees feel more comfortable at work.
Offer Supportive Technology
It is essential to provide employees with dyslexia with access to supportive technology such as assistive software and hardware solutions. This will enable them to optimize their performance while alleviating some challenges associated with dyslexia. Examples include text-to-speech tools such as Read & Write Gold, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, and Kurzweil 3000. This also goes for audio notetaking devices, task management apps, and writing, reading, math, and organization tools.
In addition to assistive hardware and software solutions, employers should ensure that their systems are accessible for dyslexic individuals. This includes providing accessible ways of formatting documents, such as font size and style, line spacing, and colors which can help make the text easier to read.
Other features, such as the ability to adjust settings so that users can use speech output and input to control the computer, can be very beneficial. It is also vital to ensure that individuals with dyslexia have access to appropriate training sessions on using these technologies to get the most out of them.
Foster an Inclusive Culture
Employers must work to foster an inclusive culture throughout the workplace. This means creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and accepted regardless of their differences. Validate the experiences of those with dyslexia and take the time to educate other employees about the condition.
When creating an inclusive culture, employers should strive to provide equal opportunities for all employees. You can do this by making reasonable accommodations for individuals with dyslexia and other conditions when necessary.
Additionally, engaging employees in activities that promote cultural awareness can help create a more welcoming environment. For instance, hosting training sessions or team-building events focusing on understanding and respecting different cultures can help foster an inclusive culture.
Seek Professional Advice
If you want more detailed advice on supporting your employees with dyslexia, consider consulting with a qualified professional. Physio-neuro therapy is a type of dyslexia therapy that combines physical, cognitive, and perceptual exercises to help individuals with dyslexia improve their functioning.
This approach can be used in both school and workplace settings to help those with dyslexia better understand how their brain functions and apply this knowledge to their daily activities. Through brain-based exercises, individuals can learn to identify and adjust their behavior to become better readers, writers, and speakers. These exercises may also help individuals improve their motor skills by strengthening the neural pathways responsible for cognitive functioning.
By encouraging your employees to seek professional advice, you can ensure that they receive the best care possible and can reach their full potential. Creating a supportive workplace environment for those with dyslexia is essential for creating a prosperous and harmonious workforce.
To Wrap It Up
In order to create conditions that help employees with dyslexia thrive in their roles, employers must take an active approach to create an inclusive culture and provide supportive tools and resources. By following these five tips, employers can be sure they are taking the steps necessary to ensure their employees with dyslexia have access to the resources required. This will enable them to perform better in their roles and feel supported and valued in the workplace.