Dyslexia Awareness Week is a brilliant reminder that inclusion starts with understanding.
Around 1 in 10 people have some form of dyslexia, which means there’s a good chance someone in your team processes information differently and that’s something to celebrate. People with dyslexia often bring incredible creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills to their roles.
To mark Dyslexia Awareness Week, our colleague Lucy Durham has shared a brilliant video about her experience and her advice for both candidates and colleagues. Lucy talks about the importance of open conversations, using the right tools and creating environments where people feel empowered to thrive.
Inspired by Lucy’s message, here are some practical ways managers can support dyslexic colleagues at work and help everyone reach their full potential.
1. Understand Dyslexia and Its Strengths
Everyone’s experience of dyslexia is different. Some colleagues might find reading, writing, or remembering sequences more challenging, while others may excel in strategic thinking or visual problem-solving.
Dyslexic strengths often include:
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Creativity and innovation
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Strong verbal communication
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Problem-solving and lateral thinking
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Resilience and empathy
Recognising these abilities - rather than focusing solely on challenges - helps build confidence and belonging.
2. Communicate Clearly and Supportively
Communication is key to inclusion. A few small adjustments can make a big difference:
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Follow up verbal discussions with short written notes or bullet points.
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Use clear formatting in documents: headings, white space, and simple language.
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Give meeting agendas or materials in advance.
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Be patient - allow extra processing time during conversations or presentations.
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Encourage open dialogue: ask, “Would it help if I sent a quick summary?”
By keeping communication simple and supportive, you’ll reduce unnecessary stress and help everyone stay on the same page.
3. Use Assistive Technology
Technology can empower employees with dyslexia to work more efficiently and confidently.
Popular tools include:
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Text-to-speech software (reads text aloud)
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Speech-to-text tools (dictation apps for writing)
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Coloured screen filters or overlays
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Mind mapping tools to structure ideas visually
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Grammar and spellcheck extensions like Grammarly
Encourage your team to explore what works best for them - and normalise using these tools across your workplace.
4. Offer Flexibility and Fairness
Flexibility builds trust and confidence.
Consider small adjustments like:
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Allowing extra time for written work or reports
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Breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps
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Using visual task boards to support organisation
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Offering hybrid or quiet workspace options
When you measure success by outcomes, not by how someone gets there, you create a fairer and more inclusive environment for everyone.
5. Build a Culture of Openness and Inclusion
Dyslexia - like any neurodiversity - is best supported through understanding and open communication.
As a manager, you can lead by example by:
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Being approachable and empathetic
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Encouraging open conversations about support needs
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Keeping discussions private and respectful
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Recognising and celebrating individual strengths
When people feel safe to talk about their needs, they’re much more likely to bring their full potential to work.
6. Keep Learning About Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity in the workplace is broad - and learning about it helps you support everyone better.
Encourage training or workshops around dyslexia awareness, and share resources with your team. The more everyone understands how different minds work, the stronger and more collaborative your team becomes.
Quick Checklist for Managers
| Focus Area | Tip for Managers |
|---|---|
| Communication | Use clear, simple language and visual support |
| Tasks | Break projects into smaller steps |
| Tools | Encourage use of assistive tech |
| Environment | Provide quiet or flexible workspace options |
| Time | Offer extra time for reading or writing |
| Support | Have regular check-ins and celebrate progress |
Building Inclusive Workplaces Together
Supporting colleagues with dyslexia doesn’t require big changes - just small, thoughtful actions that show understanding, patience, and flexibility.
By creating space for different working styles, you’ll not only empower your dyslexic colleagues - you’ll also build a stronger, more inclusive, and creative team overall.
Let’s make Dyslexia Awareness Week a reminder to celebrate neurodiversity and continue building workplaces where everyone can thrive. 💙
