The value of dyslexia

In an era characterised by technological advancements reshaping the workforce, the nature of work is profoundly transformed. The concept of workforce augmentation, where automation complements and enhances human capabilities, is ushering in significant shifts in the types of jobs and competencies required by organisations. To address this evolving landscape, organisations are seeking minds with diverse abilities to perform specialised tasks.

This report, "The Value of Dyslexia: Dyslexic Capability and Organizations of the Future," explores how dyslexic individuals can contribute to this technological revolution. Dyslexia, affecting at least 1 in 10 individuals, is a genetic variation influencing how people learn and process information. Dyslexic individuals exhibit distinctive abilities, excelling in creative thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Their cognitive profile often varies significantly from neurotypical individuals, resulting in unique ways of thinking.

Drawing upon the World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs" report, this updated analysis highlights the changing demand for competencies projected to emerge by 2022. It demonstrates how dyslexic capabilities align with and can drive the required shift in workforce skills. Notably, this analysis reveals that many jobs traditionally challenging for dyslexic individuals will be significantly impacted by automation, paving the way for tasks and roles that align closely with dyslexic strengths. Dyslexia presents an opportunity for organisations to bridge the future skills gap.

Conventional approaches to dyslexia in the workplace often focus on addressing dyslexic challenges. While well-intentioned, these efforts may not fully harness dyslexic strengths, potentially hindering organisations from realising the full value of these unique capabilities. An alternative approach, rooted in skills development, allows organisations to simultaneously address challenges and leverage strengths, aligning a deeper understanding of dyslexic abilities with organisational goals.

For CEOs and business leaders, three critical areas of focus emerge:

1. Share best practices and insights to adapt dyslexia-related approaches in the context of rapid transformation.
2. Invest in a comprehensive automation strategy aligned with organisational goals and a people strategy that considers cultural and skill requirements. Ensure visibility of the technological potential and its impact on jobs, tasks, and skills.
3. Develop a neurodiverse workforce that understands diverse cognitive profiles, fostering alignment between automation, culture, and neurodiversity to unlock the value of dyslexia and create a workforce poised for the future.

As automation technologies like Robotic Process Automation and Intelligent Process Automation reshape the workplace, competencies associated with processing, manual tasks, and transactions are diminishing, while creative, problem-solving, and social competencies are rising. Organisations are exploring innovative approaches, including neurodiverse hires, to bridge the skills gap.

Dyslexia, with its distinct cognitive attributes, offers specific strengths that organisations can harness as part of their workforce capability.

This report underscores the profound changes awaiting the future of work. It outlines actionable steps for CEOs and business leaders to capture the value of dyslexia, invest wisely in automation and people strategies, and foster a neurodiverse workforce that aligns with the evolving needs of the future organisation.

EY - The Value of Dyslexia - Dyslexia and the Future Organisations