How to support an employee with dyslexia at work
Strengths and challenges
Dyslexia is a difference in processing text. Many people with dyslexia are strong at reasoning, creativity, and seeing the whole picture, while reading dense documents, spelling, and tight time pressure can be harder. Good support plays to the strengths and removes the friction.
Practical adjustments
- Allow tools: text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and spell-check are standard, not special treatment.
- Offer information in more than one format — a short call or diagram alongside the document.
- Give extra time for reading-heavy or written tasks where possible.
- Use clear, well-structured documents with headings and bullets.
- Focus written feedback on substance, not spelling.
Make it normal
Build these into how the whole team works — assistive tools available to everyone, documents that are skimmable, key points confirmed verbally. That removes any stigma and helps everyone.
The conversation
Don’t diagnose or ask about a condition. Ask what formats and tools help them work best, agree a couple of changes, and check back.
FAQ
What adjustments help dyslexia most?
Assistive tech, information in multiple formats, extra time on reading-heavy tasks, and clear document structure.
Is dyslexia about intelligence?
No. Dyslexia is about processing written language; it’s unrelated to intelligence or capability.
Do I need a diagnosis to help?
No — respond to what helps the person perform. Most adjustments are free and benefit the whole team.