Dyslexia is a condition that has no cure and affects around 1 in 10 people in the UK. Nevertheless, as demonstrated by extremely successful dyslexics Steven Spielberg, Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein, it can be overcome.

However, dyslexia is frequently viewed as a disadvantage or an issue in the workplace although it is not linked to intelligence. Many dyslexic individuals have excellent creative and problem-solving skills. Indeed, there are many positives that dyslexics can bring to the organisation:

1. Easily grasp new concepts
2. Talent at building models
3. Strong reasoning skills
4. Understand abstract ideas
5. Ability to see the “big picture”
6. Excellence in areas not dependent on reading, such as: maths, computers, and visual arts, philosophy, biology, social studies, and creative writing
7. Exceptional empathy and warmth, and feeling for others
8. Easily adapt to new situations
9. Inclination to think out of the box

Thus, when recruiting, promoting, developing job descriptions or writing person specifications HR professionals should consider the importance of these skills in many of the jobs in their organisation. It is also worth noting that companies should also remember that dyslexia is one of a family of specific learning difficulties that are included in the Equality Act 2010.

In addition, it may be worthwhile speaking to those employees who have the condition and learn what strategies they use in the workplace. It is possible that the company will be able to make changes that help the employee and also have ideas in place for future employees.

Please contact us on paul@coppicehr.com or 07814 008478 to discuss HR and how to enhance workplace performance and organisational culture.