According to a study by the British Dyslexia Association, around 10% of the popyslexiaulation has Dyslexia, including professionals in the recruiting industry. A significant percentage of professionals in recruiting may also be struggling with Dyslexia. However, it's important to note that Dyslexia doesn't necessarily limit an individual's abilities or potential for success in their career. With the proper support and accommodations, individuals with Dyslexia can excel in various fields, including recruiting.
Dyslexia is a common learning disability affecting an individual's reading, writing, and spelling ability. It can also impact memory, attention span, and organizational skills. While Dyslexia can present challenges in the workplace, with the proper support and strategies, individuals with Dyslexia can excel in their careers.
I am going to put myself in a vulnerable position, I have Dyslexia, and it's taken a very long time to overcome my self-sabotaging "calling myself stupid," now after years of hiding and being told that I had "limited" possibilities, yep; you read that right, I had a manager said that I had limited opportunities, that I was a diamond in the rough. I have started calling it my "superpowers." I have been very open about my Dyslexia, and I have accepted and embraced this superpower; I have helped and educated those I work with and hang with. So, with this approach, I have gained knowledge, tools, and confidence in my career, and I want to help others identify their superpowers and not be embarrassed for their whole self.
The first step in working through any neuro-diversity in your workplace is to disclose your diagnosis to your employer; it's only fair and will also help bring awareness to your workplace. Most employers, like mine, want to grow and provide an inclusive environment. While it's not mandatory to disclose your disability, doing so can help your employer understand your needs and provide the necessary accommodations. It's essential to approach the conversation confidently and clearly; highlighting your strengths and outlining the accommodations you require can also help others who may need more time to be ready to disclose. Be the voice to carry others!
Employers who invest the time to provide additional time for tasks such as reading, writing, and proofreading, or offer training and coaching to improve skills such as time management and organization. It's a worthwhile investment in the individuals. Some standard accommodations for Dyslexia in the workplace include assistive technology such as speech-to-text software, text-to-speech software, and d-friendly fonts; here is a great article to start learning.
In addition to accommodations, there are several strategies that I have learned to deal with Dyslexia that has helped me excel in the workplace. One method uses visual aids such as color-coding and visuals to help organize information and support memory recall. Another strategy is to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to reduce overwhelm and increase productivity. It was huge for me, and it helped my managers to help others.
Since the pandemic, It was vital for me to prioritize my self-care and ways to manage stress in the workplace. We need to understand Individuals with Dyslexia may experience higher levels of stress due to the demands of their job, and it's crucial to find ways to manage this stress to avoid burnout. I have included practicing mindfulness and meditation, which can mean different for individuals; for me, it's art meditation, taking regular breaks throughout the day, and engaging in physical activity outside of work.
Networking and seeking mentorship can also benefit individuals with Dyslexia in the workplace. It's so important to find and connect with others who have similar experiences, provide a sense of community and support, and open up opportunities for professional growth and development. Don't allow this superpower to define who you are. Seeking out a mentor has been such an empowering experience for me. They have shared their experience working through Dyslexia has provided valuable guidance and support in navigating the workplace, so please, if you get anything out of this article, seek a mentor who will empower you and help you embrace and grow.
Finally, and it's imperative to read, please embrace your strengths and celebrate your successes. While Dyslexia can be challenging, individuals with Dyslexia have amazing and unique strengths and talents. These strengths can include creativity, problem-solving, and out-of-the-box thinking. By focusing on these strengths and celebrating successes, individuals with Dyslexia can build confidence and create a positive work environment. I know; I can testify to this.
To summarize, working through Dyslexia in the workplace requires a combination of accommodations, strategies, self-care, networking, and celebrating strengths. By disclosing your diagnosis to your employer and advocating for the accommodations you may require, you can create a supportive work environment that allows you to excel in your career. You can manage stress and increase productivity by utilizing strategies and prioritizing self-care. And by connecting with others and celebrating successes, you can build confidence and find fulfillment in your work. Know I am here, ready to listen, ready to help. You are not alone.
