New research shows only 1 in 5 dyslexics believe their workplace understand their Dyslexic Thinking strengths
The strengths associated with Dyslexic Thinking aren’t being understood or recognised by professionals in many organisations, despite being seen as some of the most in-demand skills in the workforce, according to our new research with LinkedIn .
This new research also finds that while almost all dyslexics (88%) value their own Dyslexic Thinking skills, such as problem-solving, creativity and people skills and attribute these to their Dyslexic Thinking skill set, many ‘non-dyslexics’ in the workplace don’t (46%).
Monumental milestones – like the one achieved by our campaign with Virgin Group last year, which saw Dyslexic Thinking added as a skill on LinkedIn (the world’s largest career network) is creating a seismic shift in how the world sees dyslexia. Over 22,000 members now proudly showcase it as part of their skillset on the platform and Dyslexic Thinking was added as a noun to the dictionary.
But this has yet to filter through to all organisations.
We need to talk about dyslexia at work
Less than a third (28%) of professionals have asked a dyslexic colleague about how their dyslexia impacts them at work.
Why? Our research points to a lack of understanding about what dyslexia and Dyslexic Thinking are (46%). Almost half of professionals simply don’t define dyslexia as a valuable thinking skill – yet.
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This is a mistake. Because many are unaware that Dyslexic Thinking skills are a direct match for the soft skills that every workplace is looking for. Or understand the simple, free adjustments that could be made to help a dyslexic to thrive. So organisations are missing out on a wealth of dyslexic talent.
In turn, this lack of understanding results in some dyslexics not sharing the details of their dyslexia, as they worry they will be misunderstood or underestimated – when they should be having their in-demand skills recognised and valued. Because every workplace needs them!
AI supercharging career progression
As AI rapidly shifts what employers are looking for in the workplace and how employees approach the work they do, one thing is clear: this is the time for Dyslexic Thinking to shine.
Because while AI Thinking aggregates. Dyslexic Thinking innovates. AI takes over the tasks we find challenging, and allows us more time to focus on our strengths, making AI the perfect co-pilot to Dyslexic Thinking.
Our research shows that dyslexic professionals realise this, are confident in their skillset and are focusing on their career progression. Almost two-thirds (63%) say using AI tools at work can help them focus on their Dyslexic Thinking skills, while 66% agree AI can further their career. The latest data from LinkedIn’s Future of Work: AI at Work Report shows there’s been a 21x increase in the share of global English-language job postings mentioning GPT or ChatGPT since November 2022, so feeling comfortable with AI could be an important step for those looking to develop professionally.
Empowering Dyslexic Thinking in the workplace
Dyslexic Thinking skills are valuable and vital. They are the soft skills every workplace is looking for, meaning every organisation must better understand and empower Dyslexic Thinking. And over the past few months, I have been working with LinkedIn Learning to create new, free training that helps individuals and organisations to do just that. This training is supported by Richard Branson and the Virgin Group.
The training takes just an hour to complete and is available in 25 languages. In just 60 minutes, you can learn how to empower the Dyslexic Thinking skills that will move your business forward. Sign up now to take the free training on LinkedIn Learning when it launches at the end of October for Dyslexia Awareness Month: www.madebydyslexia.org/workplace.
as fellow dyslectics you might find this interesting https://www.linkedin.com/posts/marcvanrooij_visualthinking-dyslexia-visual-activity-7294467212810088448-d5m2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Marc van Rooij
Honored to be a part of this conversation and movement forward!
Don't shut out the Dyslexics (hastily checked spelling) they are so innovative, smart and eager thinkers #dylexiagenius
1 in 5, more like 1 in 50. We suffer a lot of prejudice and negative assumptions from HR and middle managers. However, senior level are more switched on. We recently launched a course in improving dimensional thinking skills called THINK LIKE A DYSLEXIC. We did some research. • HR comments were "Why would you do that?" Negative and prejudice. • General C-Suite - "Interesting. My staff certainly could improve their thinking skills." Curious, open-minded. • MD/CEOs who are dyslexic - "Yes, please. I need to have more people who think like me around here. It would make us more competitive." Got it straight away. We do not get into the area of D&I and educating people about dyslexia, instead, we push the talent story and seek to help companies think better and help those less able to think like us. LINK: https://www.dyversitylab.com/dimensional-thinking DYVERSITY LAB #dyslexicthinking The Octopus Movement Marnix Langstraat