EMPOWERING DYSLEXIC THINKING
IN EVERY WORKPLACE.
Why every workplace needs Dyslexic Thinking
Research has been telling us that Dyslexic Thinking skills will be vital for future workplaces. With the rapid
advancement and adoption of AI, that future has arrived. Because while technology and AI has evolved to
replicate many skills, they won’t replace sought after soft skills like innovation, lateral thinking, complex
problem solving and interpersonal skills - which are Dyslexic Thinking skills.
New research shows that AI is the perfect co-pilot for Dyslexic Thinking, and together they are the
unstoppable force every workplace needs to drive their business forward.
This guide will help every employee in every organisation to employ Dyslexic Thinking and create a
culture where it thrives.
What is Dyslexic Thinking?
Dyslexic Thinking is recognised in the dictionary as an innovative way to think. 1 in 5 are dyslexic
and their thinking skills are vital to the workplace. Here is the definition in dictionary.com
Dyslexic Thinking skills
Visualising Imagining Communicating
Interacting with space, senses, Creating an original piece of work Crafting & conveying clear
physical ideas & new concepts. or giving ideas a new spin. & engaging messages.
75% of dyslexics are above average 84% of dyslexics are above average 71% of dyslexics are above average
at Visualising. at Imagining. at Communicating.
Reasoning Connecting Exploring
Understanding patterns, evaluating Understanding self; connecting, Being curious & exploring ideas
possibilities & making decisions. empathising & influencing others. in a constant & energetic way.
84% of dyslexics are above average 80% of dyslexics are above average 84% of dyslexics are above average
at Reasoning. at Connecting. at Exploring.
2018: Dyslexic Thinking is vital for the future
Dyslexic strengths align to
core work-related skills and abilities of the future 3
Dyslexic Thinking skills are valuable and vital.
They are the ‘soft skills’ or ‘Power Skills’ every Skill/ability family growing skills demand 2020*
25, 26, 27
workplace is looking for like creativity, adaptability, Skill/ability
Skill/ability family
leadership, innovation, problem solving and
critical thinking.
As our 2018/19 reports with global consultancy
EY, Value of Dyslexia1 found: these skills are a
direct match for those identified by the World
Economic Forum as the skills of the future2.
Visualising Reasoning
Imagining Connecting
Communicating Exploring
WATCH THE
EY FILM
Others
Training and Teaching
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=3t3S3nDpQOg
* Please refer to page 8 for ‘scale of skills demand 2020’ figure
Source: Value of Dyslexia, Made By Dyslexia & EY, p.29. 1 Made By Dyslexia
Future & EY,Survey,
of Jobs Value25
of ofDyslexia,
The Future Jobs, The World 2018, www.madebydyslexia.org/
Economic Forum 2016 p.22
26
Core Work -Related Skills, The Future of Jobs, Occupational Information Network/The World Economic Forum 2016 p.52 -53
assets/downloads/EY-the-value-of-dyslexia.pdf. 2 Future of Jobs Report 2018, World Economic
27
Forum.
Connecting The Dots, Made By Dyslexia 2017 p.13
3
Made -14
By Dyslexia & EY, Value of
Dyslexia, 2018, p.29 www.madebydyslexia.org/assets/downloads/EY-the-value-of-dyslexia.pdf
2020: The future is nearly here SEE WHY
GCHQ VALUE
DYSLEXIC
Our 2020 report, The Dyslexic Dynamic, predicted that by 2025, THINKING
machines and humans would share roles 50-50. As technology takes HERE
over the 50% of tasks dyslexics find more challenging, the 50% of
human skills needed are an exact match for Dyslexic Thinking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luL7xKMnhoU
Recognising this fact, LinkedIn - the world’s largest careers platform
added Dyslexic Thinking as a skill in 2022. Plus, organisations like
Randstad, EY, Microsoft and HSBC actively recruit Dyslexic Thinkers.
British intelligence agency, GCHQ, has 4 times as many dyslexics on
its apprentice scheme.
WATCH THE DYSLEXIC Dyslexia is a talent, first and foremost. And
THINKING CAMPAIGN FILM it’s a talent that needs to be recognised as
something that can make a fundamental shift
https://www.youtube.com/ in how organisations recruit and solve the skills
watch?v=D5Phdr6wUMs shortage across the world.
Matthew Higgs, VP Randstad Sourceright.
4
Made By Dyslexia & ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions, The Dyslexic Dynamic, 2021, https://www.madebydyslexia.org/The-Dyslexic-
Dynamic-Report.pdf
Top future skills match dyslexic strengths
Top future skills match dyslexic strengths
Dyslexia capability Future skills Capability strength:
Analytical thinking & innovation Exceptional
Active learning & learning strategies Very Strong
Creativity, originality & initiative Strong
Technology design & programming
Challenge
Critical thinking & analysis
Trending
skills Complex problem-solving
Leadership & social influence
Emotional intelligence
Reasoning, problem-solving & ideation
Systems analysis & evaluation
Technology selection, monitoring & control
Visual, auditory & speech abilities
Coordination & time management
Declining
skills* Management of personnel
Reading, writing, math & active listening
Technology installation & maintenance
Management of financial, material resources
Memory, verbal, auditory & spatial abilities
* excludes manual dexterity, endurance and precision
Source: The World Economic Forum’s ‘comparing skills demand, 2018 vs 2023, featured in EY’s report
“Can business unlock thenext revolution in education?”
2023: The future has arrived!
WATCH THE FUTURE
OF WORK DISCUSSION
State of Flux FROM THE WORLD
With the rapid development of AI and hybrid workplaces, the world DYSLEXIA ASSEMBLY
of work has evolved faster than any of us could have predicted. This,
coupled with economic uncertainty and the global labour shortage, https://www.youtube.com/
is creating a ‘state of flux’ for organisations right around the world. watch?v=yGtMuB4YhtobDcQ
Organisations are looking harder for ways to grow their talent
within, and to attract talent from outside, during a difficult and super
competitive market.
Although Dyslexic Thinking offers a clear solution to the talent
shortage, there is work for organisations to do. While 66% of HR
professionals feel they are meeting the needs of dyslexics in their
workforce, research by Randstad Enterprise and Made By Dyslexia
finds only 16% of dyslexics feel supported in the workplace. So the
time to understand Dyslexic Thinking is NOW.
Dyslexic Thinking is a skill. It’s a strength, It’s a talent
pool and we desperately need you. So come as you are,
do what you love.
Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Chief Accessibility Officer, Microsoft.
6
PwC’s 26th Annual Global CEO Survey, January 2023: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/c-suite-insights/ceo-survey-2023.html
A new era for Dyslexia & AI
The global adoption of AI provides a truly revolutionary tool for dyslexics. 72% of dyslexics see AI tools, such as
ChatGPT, as a valuable starting point for them to apply Dyslexic Thinking and drive innovation.
So, if your organisation learns how to Employ Dyslexia and empowers Dyslexic Thinking now, then you will
untap the Dyslexic Thinking talent within, AND attract new Dyslexic Thinkers who have the talent to move your
business forward.
We are here to help you do just that by creating FREE WATCH OUR
DYSLEXAI FILM
resources and training.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWwNwt5tA5s
This is a real opportunity for employers
around the world, a new era to
really unleash dyslexic talent in their
organisations.
Laura Powell, Global Head of Human Resources,
Wealth and Personal Banking and Global
Functions, HSBC.
How to Employ Dyslexia
Empowering Dyslexic Thinking in every workplace is simply a matter of Joining the Dots. It requires
an understanding of Dyslexic Thinking, and a commitment to ensure this is adopted right across the
organisation, top down and bottom up. Here’s how to do it in 4 simple steps.
1 2
Define dyslexia as a Offer adjustments that
valuable thinking skill enable dyslexics to thrive
ADOPT a 21st Century view of dyslexia across your ENCOURAGE all employees who are, or think they
organisation and share this guide with every employee may be, dyslexic, to take our FREE test on our website.
to encourage culture change, top down and bottom up. The results will help them, and you to understand their
Dyslexic Thinking Skills and profile.
SHARE our resources like our THIS is Dyslexia book,
and our films and podcasts, to encourage a deeper ENABLE dyslexic employees to lean into assistive
knowledge of Dyslexic Thinking across technology and new technology advancements to
your organisation. support their Dyslexic Thinking. Offer adjustments in
ways of working that enable dyslexic thinkers to thrive.
TRAIN everyone in your organisation to value
Dyslexic Thinking with our free training: FOSTER a culture of openness and disclosure. Only by
Empowering Dyslexic Thinking in the Workplace. being open about being dyslexic and your strengths,
Available now on LinkedIn Learning. challenges and needs, can managers and employees
empower Dyslexic Thinking in everyone.
How to Employ Dyslexia
3 4
Tailor recruitment Support ERG groups
processes for dyslexics and communities
ACKNOWLEDGE Dyslexic Thinking in all recruitment ENCOURAGE formation of ERG and affinity groups
materials, show you value it and ensure role profiles to feed the needs of dyslexic employees straight to the
and job adverts specify Dyslexic Thinking skills, and list senior leadership team. These groups are a positive
it as a neurodiversity not disability. catalyst for change, providing invaluable support
including mentorship opportunities.
OFFER the basics during the recruitment process
– extra time, quiet rooms for tests, clear questions, ENGAGE with the Made By Dyslexia network to
different ways of presenting. Look beyond typos and tap into our global community of organisations and
spelling to see ideas and innovative thinking. their affinity groups to learn what they have found
most effective in supporting their community and in
REVIEW methods of recruiting to ensure that Dyslexic
driving change.
Thinking is not being disadvantaged by your processes.
For example, online applications and psychometric tests COMMUNITY engagement with our Learn Dyslexia
often play to dyslexic challenges. education resources which provide valuable support
for employees, their families, and children. Help us
by encouraging fundraising and including us in your
payroll giving.
Take our FREE training NOW
TRAIN
Our new, FREE, training: Empowering Dyslexic Thinking in NOW
the Workplace is available NOW on the LinkedIn Learning
platform. You can take it as an individual, or ask your whole
organisation to take it. We’re asking everyone to Take An Hour www.linkedin.com/learning/empowering-
To Empower Dyslexia!
dyslexic-thinking-at-work
The training takes just 1 hour to complete. In just 60 minutes,
you can learn how to empower the Dyslexic Thinking skills that
will move you and your business forward.
Apply for the Employ Dyslexia Badge
Organisations who have trained all key employees, AND made the training available
company-wide, can apply for the Employ Dyslexia Badge below to show that
their organisation values and Empowers Dyslexic Thinking.
To apply for the badge your organisation needs to:
1 2 3 4 5
Commit to train all Actively encourage Make training Display your Promote Made
staff in HR, Talent, all People Leaders available and Employ Dyslexia By Dyslexia in
L&D and D&I to take training. promoted to badge proudly on your charity giving
within the next all employees. your website and on schemes and
12 months. recruitment material. Payroll Giving.
If you’re an individual and you have taken the training, ask your whole organisation to take the
training, in order to earn the Employ Dyslexia badge.
If your organisation has completed the training, you can apply for your badge at
www.madebydyslexia.org/workplace
Dyslexia: strengths and challenges
21st century definition of dyslexia
Dyslexia influences as many as 1 in 5 people and is a genetic difference in an individual’s ability to learn
and process information. As a result, dyslexic individuals have differing abilities, with strengths in creative,
problem-solving and communication skills and challenges with spelling, reading and memorising facts.
Generally, a dyslexic cognitive profile will be uneven when compared to a neurotypical cognitive
profile. This means that dyslexic individuals really do think differently.
Traditional benchmarking disadvantages dyslexics, measuring them against the very things they
find challenging.
Top Tips from Made By Dyslexia community
The Made By Dyslexia community is the largest community of Dyslexic Thinkers in the world. On the following
pages we share their top tips for success.
5 ways dyslexic thinking helps you in 5 top tips for dyslexic employee
your job - Dyslexia helps me to:
Make connections across complex issues, subjects Work out what dyslexia means for you. Your
1 and data, which others don’t see. 1 strengths and your challenges.
Cut through the noise and see the big picture, Explain it up-front to others. Don’t be
2 rather than getting stuck in the detail. 2 embarrassed or wait until you hit a problem.
Communicate and explain complex subjects You will be very good at your dyslexic strengths,
3 through storytelling and simplifying. 3 and that will benefit your employer.
Solve problems in different ways, coming up with Ask for what you need. Don’t just overwork to
4 new ideas to tackle them. 4 get through, you will burn out.
5 Build, support, and empower teams, people
and organisations. 5 If systems don’t work for you, constructively see if
they can be changed.
Top Tips from Made By Dyslexia community
5 tips for every dyslexic employer 5 things every manager can do
to help
Dyslexics are an asset to any organisation, Understand what dyslexia means for that person,
1 treasure them. 1 their pattern of strengths and challenges.
Your workplace probably prevents them from
2 doing their best, try to change it. 2
Dyslexics need encouragement and support, not
sanction if things are not going well.
Listen and respond to what they need.
3 3
Avoid words like ‘lazy, careless, scatty’ – dyslexics
are none of these things.
Simple adjustments can help dyslexics fly.
4 4 Give dyslexics the big picture and watch them
make it a reality.
5 Things that help dyslexics are actually
Use less text. Bullets and summaries, and present
good for everyone.
5 and receive information in a multi-sensory way.
Top Tips from Made By Dyslexia community
5 things to help with application/ 5 things dyslexics may struggle with in
recruitment process the workplace
1
Offer the basics – extra time, quiet rooms for
examinations, clear questions.
1 Information overload especially via email.
2
Forgive typos and spelling – they are not a
reflection of commitment or ability.
2 Competing or unclear priorities.
Tests and interviews don’t showcase dyslexic’s full Long and complicated meetings, being asked to
3 skills and talents. Help them to show abilities in 3 write on a flip chart or read aloud.
different ways.
Too much information in written form – not
Encourage applicants to tell you they are 4 enough visual presentation of information.
4 dyslexic by acknowledging that you value
Tiredness or anxiety due to the effort of
Dyslexic Thinking.
5 working at high pace.
Don’t insist on a formal assessment to trigger
5 reasonable adjustments, a self-declaration of
dyslexia should be enough.
Top Tips from Made By Dyslexia community
5 ways to overcome those struggles 5 things dyslexics may struggle with in
the workplace
Be upfront with colleagues and managers. Text to speech allows you to proofread documents
1 Explain your dyslexic strengths and challenges. 1 and read long text without fatigue.
Use assistive technology, like speech to Tablets allow you to take notes and store
2 text programmes. 2 them easily.
Ask for reasonable adjustments in Automated meeting requests make
3 workplace assessments. 3 arrangements easier.
Find methods of organisation that Automated search and filing help you find things
4 work for you. 4 without having to use a complicated filing system.
5 Have a supportive team around you
with different strengths. 5 Using dictation software to create documents, like
Dictate or Immersive Reader in Office 365.
Top Tips from Made By Dyslexia community
3 easy ways to let the world know you are Made By Dyslexia.
Add a line to your email signature: Update your Twitter, Insta,
1 2 Tik Tok or Facebook with a
social asset.
Add Dyslexic Thinking as a skill to your
3 LinkedIn Bio or CV, like Richard Branson and
many others.
Supporting the next generation of Dyslexic Thinkers
While it’s vital to empower Dyslexic Thinking in the workplace, organisations are fast-realising
that Dyslexic Thinking must be spotted and supported in schools too, in order to build an efficient
school to work talent pipeline to bring the next generation of Dyslexic Thinkers into the workplace.
Leading global organisations, like EY, are already taking action.
Their Affinity groups have asked employees in over 20 countries to
ask their children’s school to Learn Dyslexia using our FREE training WATCH
(developed with Microsoft) to create inclusive classrooms
THE LEARN
DYSLEXIA
where Dyslexic Thinking thrives.
FILM HERE
The evidence-based strategies demonstrated in the
FREE online training are ensuring teachers are equipped https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssxu75oUMBI
with the skills they need to spot, support and empower
Dyslexic Thinking.
NYC was the first city in the world to train all teachers.
Other cities and states are now following.
www.madebydyslexia.org/employ-dyslexia
