Advice for Employees

When you are thinking about whether to tell your employer that you are dyslexic, you should weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. Many employers are supportive and will do their best to provide help and support. They may be less supportive however, if you say nothing or choose to wait a long time before telling them, by which time, some damage may have been done.

However, some dyslexics may decide to say nothing and worry that their employer will interpret the dyslexia as a lack of intelligence and an excuse for poor work performance. Being reluctant to tell your employer is understandable, but at the same time, how can an employer be expected to make a correct assessment of your work, without having all of the facts?

If you do decide to tell your employer, it would be advisable to set up a meeting with your boss in which you discuss dyslexia and the effect it has on you at work.

The key to disclosing your dyslexia lies in how you tell them you’re dyslexic. Your employer may be unaware of the symptoms and effects of dyslexia so it is important to provide them with as much information as possible and teach them what dyslexia is and what it’s not. It’s also a good idea to give them advice about how they can help you and also point out things they are doing which may be hindering your performance. Hopefully, your openness will lead to improvements and a rise in your productivity – something your employer won’t complain about.

You can also make changes to the way you work and your workplace, in order to make it easier for you to work. Changes you can make include:

Take things slowly and take breaks: you work better when you are not tired.
Make sure you understand instructions: ask your employer to repeat instructions, or put them in writing, to make sure you understand them.
Organise your work: use a diary to organise your work and make sure you have a schedule.
Organise your workplace: it is much easier to work in a tidy workplace, when you know where everything is.
Develop new work methods: try experimenting with the way you work to see what works best for you.
Use available technology: there are many types of software, gadgets and other tools available to help dyslexics in the workplace.

For more information on any of these call 0141 357 5700.