Most jobs require the ability to communicate clearly. Considering that reading instructions, taking part in meetings, and sending emails all require good communication, it is easy to see why occasional communication problems may be present. However, when a person has consistent problems in communicating with the people they work with, these issues may be the result of their having dyslexia. Although most people think of dyslexia only in terms of reading and spelling, it can continue into adulthood and affect an individual’s ability to do the job they were hired to do. As people are often under a lot of stress and pressure at work, these types of issues can often become greater over time. Understanding how dyslexia may affect how an individual communicates with others may help someone identify whether or not they have a problem and help them obtain the support or assistance they need.
Dyslexia Affects More than Just Reading
Most people think dyslexia only refers to the inability to read or write words correctly, but in fact, dyslexia can affect a variety of communication-based skills. This includes writing, how information is processed, memory and the ability to express oneself verbally. Most adults with dyslexia have above-average intelligence, are capable of doing their job and are very creative individuals, but they may not process language as most people do.
Some employees find ways to cope with their dyslexia so they can handle their daily tasks; however, as the amount of work increases and the demands for communication become greater, it can be exhausting to keep pace with the increasing workload.
As each person’s dyslexia is different, the unique challenges faced by those with dyslexia will vary between different jobs, work environments and the types of daily communication needed to accomplish their work.
Processing Verbal Directions may be Harder
When one thinks of communication difficulties, they do not often consider that problems can happen even if one can read and write. Individuals with dyslexia also experience difficulties in the way that they process and recall information they hear. Employees may have difficulty following the instructions given quickly during a meeting or conversation because there are many pieces of information that have been given all at once.
Some individuals forget parts of conversations shortly after hearing them, or may be confused about the order of directions. When listening to someone speak, it is also difficult to take notes, thereby missing vital details during a conversation.
In fast-paced work environments, the above factors can lead to misunderstandings or create an impression that an employee is not focused on a task when they are doing everything possible to remain attentive.
Speaking Confidently Might Seem Daunting
Adults experiencing dyslexia sometimes find it difficult to find the right words to communicate with others during conversations. Although they often have a good grasp of what they want to say, they may find it difficult to express themselves or retrieve the correct words quickly under time constraints. This often causes them to pause, hesitate, or use the wrong word when trying to communicate in some way, shape or form, whether it be in discussions or when giving presentations.
Any form of public speaking, including meetings and phone calls, can cause stress for employees who fear making communication mistakes in front of their peers. Over time, this might cause some employees who have a lot of valuable contributions to become quiet in professional environments, even though they continue to have valuable ideas to share.
Emotional Toll of Difficulty Communicating in the Workplace
Constant difficulty communicating takes an emotional toll on employees. Adults suffering from undiagnosed dyslexia tend to experience frustration because an attempt to accomplish the same task can sometimes be made twice as hard as it would be for someone without dyslexia. Employees often experience their confidence and motivation affected as a result of numerous corrections, miscommunication/difficulties in communication, and ridicule.
Many employees create means of covering up their communication difficulties while developing coping strategies to avoid drawing attention to their communication challenges as adults for years. While these methods might afford them temporary relief from communication difficulties, they are usually ineffective long-term and may serve to increase stress and fatigue.
Once employees with communication difficulties experience prolonged conversations with others in the workplace, they often mistakenly believe they are poor communicators and thus believe they are unable to meet the demands of their jobs.
Dyslexia symptoms in the form of difficulties with writing, reading, spelling or comprehension can be difficult to recognise. Knowing if someone has dyslexia can help them get practical support at work and overcome communication barriers. Examples of supportive accommodations include: providing clear instructions; supplying the latest assistive technology, speech-to-text software or other methods; offering options for flexibility in communicating; giving individuals more time to complete tasks; etc. Many people are pleasantly surprised it has been harder than expected for them due to dyslexia once they learn what has caused their difficulties at work; therefore, the right level of support will help employees with dyslexia build their confidence and become an asset to their employer by using their strengths—creativity, inventiveness, problem solving and big picture thinking—when needed. Addressing these dyslexic related challenges as soon as possible will help develop a supportive and productive workplace for everyone to excel within.
For more information on Workplace Needs Assessments for Dyslexia, contact Workforce Wellbeing today
