Navigating the Workplace with Dyslexia: The Challenges

After 20 years of working in the professional services industry with dyslexia, it occurred to me that it might be helpful to others if I shared some of the issues I've encountered and the techniques I've used to overcome the day-to-day challenges.  

Living with dyslexia in the workplace is a journey filled with challenges. Despite technological advancements that have provided tools to ease the burdens of dyslexia, hurdles remain, particularly in professional environments. In this post, I want to share my experiences and insights into how dyslexia affects work life and the coping strategies I've developed.  

Embarking on a job hunt can be daunting, especially when the role demands a degree of written prowess. A common question for those of us with dyslexia is, "When should I disclose my condition?" Reflecting on the early days of my career, I initially chose to remain silent. My strategy was to hide my dyslexia, doubling my efforts on spell checks and avoiding writing tasks as much as possible. In retrospect, this wasn't the best choice. Concealing dyslexia only compounded my stress, a heavy burden for anyone at the onset of their professional path. 

Over time, I've found that waiting until the second interview to disclose my dyslexia works best. This delay allows me to focus on showcasing my skills during the first interview without distractions. If a second interview is offered, it signals the employer's interest in my abilities, making it a more suitable time for disclosure. I've learned to frame my dyslexia not as a hindrance but as a part of who I am, assuring potential employers that, with the right tools, my dyslexia won't significantly impact my performance. 

This approach, of course, has its limits. For roles where exceptional writing skills are essential, like an editorial position, a different strategy might be necessary. However, highlighting your strengths and showing proactive measures to manage your challenges can portray you as a resilient individual, unfazed by obstacles. 

One of the key strategies I've adopted when starting a new project, especially with a new team, involves open communication about my dyslexia. From the outset, I inform my teammates about my condition. This isn't just about transparency; it's about setting the stage for effective collaboration. I express my preference for brief, direct conversations over lengthy emails whenever feasible, emphasising that this approach helps me communicate more effectively. Moreover, I encourage my colleagues to feel comfortable seeking clarification on any written communication I provide. It's crucial to dispel any fears they might have about offending me by asking questions. Interestingly, this open dialogue often leads to unexpected connections, as I encounter others who also say, 'I'm dyslexic too.' 

We are fortunate to live in an era where tools like voice-to-text dictation and grammar-checking software, such as Grammarly, are readily available. These tools have significantly enhanced my writing process by helping to catch common errors and ensuring that my intended message is clearly communicated. The advent of AI, particularly in grammar checks, has been a game-changer, also allowing us to reword sentences for better clarity. However, it still means that writing anything can take me twice as long as it might for someone without dyslexia. 

Using text-to-speech readers has been a revelation for me. Often, we read what we intended to write, not what is actually on the page. Text-to-speech readers help reveal the true content of our writing. Moreover, modern work-from-home setups and the reliance on instant messaging platforms like Teams can pose challenges for people with dyslexia. Instant messaging doesn't afford us the same workflow process to have our work grammatically checked. By its very nature, instant messaging requires quick responses. 

 Not all the tools mentioned above, such as Grammarly, work in every application like Teams. Sometimes, it is advantageous to use the web-based version of an application because tools like Grammarly often function in web-based applications and browser add-ins for text-to-speech, making it quick and simple to dictate into text boxes. 

My Current Tool List 

1. Grammarly: A tool for detecting grammatical errors in real-time, Grammarly works best on desktop applications, although there is also a mobile app. It's a subscription-based product. For those on a budget, using ChatGPT, while not as efficient as Grammarly, is a viable alternative. 

2. Apple Siri: Many office applications have mobile versions, and I've found the iPhone's Siri to be one of the best voice-to-text services. I often use the mobile email application to dictate emails, preferring it over the built-in Office 365 voice-to-text feature. 

3. TypeAI: This iPhone application offers real-time grammar checking using ChatGPT by replacing the keyboard. It has both free and subscription-based versions. 

4. Voice IN: A Chrome add-in that allows dictation into any web-based application. It has both free and paid versions. I find it lightweight, effective, and superior to the built-in Windows version. 

5. ChatGPT: I use ChatGPT to correct grammar in addition to using Grammarly, and also to help reword some of my reports for improved clarity. 

6. MS Word Text-to-Speech: Many Office 365 applications, particularly Word, have the capability to read back what has been written. This text-to-speech feature ensures that what is written is what was intended. 

7. Office 365 Built-In Voice Dictation: The voice dictation services in the paid versions of Office 365 are generally better than both the built-in Windows version and the version of Office with perpetual licenses. 

8. Retired Dragon Dictation: I used to use Dragon Dictation but have recently retired it. Not only is it extremely expensive and heavy on computer processing power, but I've also found it can make the computer somewhat unstable. 

For those living with dyslexia, especially those who are just starting out on their career, my advice is to never give up. Seek the right help and resources. Embrace technology that works for you. Dyslexia in the workplace is not just about the challenges; it's about resilience, adaptation, and finding ways to turn a potential hindrance into an advantage. Remember, dyslexia doesn't define your capabilities; it's just one part of your unique and valuable contribution to the workplace. 

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