Are you aware it’s dyslexia awareness week? For most employers the answer is probably “No” and for most employers we see, they don’t give consideration to making adjustments for staff working at computers who have dyslexia.

We read recently that as many as 10% of the population suffer with dyslexia yet many are not even fully aware of it.  So why is this important to your business?   Well, clearly, if we fail to address the problem then some of our staff may be suffering in silence.  Much of this is probably down to the stigma of not fitting in with the norm; whatever the norm is!!

Dyslexia presents itself in a variety of different ways that include reading, writing, problems with working memory, organisational skills, numeracy and time management.  It occurs regardless of gender, intelligence, race, culture or class.  Many inspirational figures are dyslexic – Richard Rogers, Bill Gates and Richard Branson are just a few of the successful names to mention.

Frustratingly, there is much that can be done that provides simple changes to improve the workstation setup for people who suffer with dyslexia.  Many of these changes are not going to cost very much and will likely provide far greater productivity.

Most importantly, employers should be aware that identifying and developing strategies for dyslexic staff is a legal obligation.  If 10% of the population are dyslexic then how does that translate in your workplace?  Have you screened for dyslexia?  Do you have a strategy in place for dealing with reasonable adjustments?  What do you do if a staff member approaches you and says they think they may be dyslexic?

If you are unsure then please do contact us as we have much experience in this area.