Dyslexic employees could help to solve the skills shortages of the future

One in ten of the UK population

The first thing that strikes the reader of the new report by EY and the charity Made by Dyslexia, is that 6.6 million people in the UK, just over one in ten of the population, and around 700 million globally are thought to have dyslexia – a much larger number than many would expect, including myself.

These large numbers could make dyslexia seem like a challenge for employers, but what the report demonstrates is that quite the opposite is true – ‘the unique ways in which dyslexic people view and interact with the world could help companies meet the challenges of business in the 21st century.’

A huge opportunity …

Cognitive flexibility, creativity, visualisation and complex problem solving – all recognised as key strengths of dyslexic individuals – will become increasingly valuable as all sectors of industry embrace new technology in what is often termed the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’. The key traits of dyslexic thinkers fit very closely with the workforce strategy, skills and employment possibilities identified in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report (2016).

In an increasingly complex and knowledge intensive world, a business where neurodiversity is better understood and the strengths of dyslexic individuals are harnessed, could well become more innovative and better placed for the rapidly changing nature of work.

… that requires commitment to change …

My initial reaction that dyslexia was a challenge illustrates how much needs to be done to change perceptions and harness the power of talented people, who may not be maximizing their potential. The report shows that businesses have a lot more to do to capture the full benefits from the dyslexic individuals in their workforce. Similarly, to prepare dyslexic individuals and enable them to flourish, we must also ensure that educators and employers are enabled and empowered to recognise and support this valuable way of thinking.

… both in education …

As the report finds, in education, a limited knowledge of dyslexic abilities and traditional approaches to exams can influence dyslexic individuals from reaching their full potential. This, coupled with a focus on dyslexic challenges, means that valuable dyslexic strengths are often missed. There needs to be a refocusing, now more than ever, of how dyslexic ability is viewed and nurtured.

Made By Dyslexia believes policymakers and schools need to bolster their efforts to better identify dyslexics early on, and consider introducing more supportive ways of teaching dyslexic students, to help cultivate this untapped talent. Often, if dyslexic individuals don’t receive the support they need either at home or at school during their formative years, they lack confidence later in life, which can impact their career prospects over the longer term.

… and business …

The report also makes a series of recommendations for businesses to get the most out of their dyslexic employees. The key areas that require attention are approaches to recruitment, sharing of awareness of dyslexia the methods adopted to nurture employees and the development of a workplace culture that actively encourages and supports dyslexics.

Businesses should be working to embrace their dyslexic staff in a positive a fashion and to adjust approaches to management and mentoring in particular. Adopting a focus on strengths and positive contributions while continuing to address challenges will deliver mutually beneficial outcomes.

… to generate a win-win.

In an increasingly competitive and connected world, nation states and businesses have to aim to maximize the contribution of the resources available to them. “The Value of Dyslexia” shows just how significant the opportunity is by identifying the large numbers of dyslexic people in society and the unique skills they bring to the workplace. I am in no doubt that this means there is a real risk of a huge loss of potential benefit if educators, businesses and policy makers fail to adjust their approaches to training and development.