Dyslexia at work (Dyslexia Awareness Week 2026)

Beginning a new job with dyslexia can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first job. However, asking for job accommodation and asking for help can reduce your job stress. Often learning about the job without training can be challenging. Yet, if your job offers job training, it can be less stressful for you to understand your new job. Additionally, organizing your office desk, cubicle, or office area can make it easier for you to do your job. 

Having dyslexia does not stop you from working. Acknowledge that you might be frustrated during high demand jobs and too much work pressure. Before getting your first job, observe the employees working there and the work environment. Also, see if the employees working there are friendly or unfriendly. This can help you decide if you want to take the job. 

Review any job reviews ahead of time. Carefully evaluate how employees treat their customers, clients, or patients. Before saying yes to a job, ensure that you like the work environment before working there. Nonetheless, be prepared ahead and avoid a toxic working environment. The first four days of a new job are crucial for your mental and physical wellness.

One working environment issue is too much noise in the background. Also, heating and air conditioning issues can affect one's mood, especially if an office is too hot inside for working more than two hours. Nevertheless, it is necessary to ask for a quieter office environment for managing your time with dyslexia. Besides that, it is essential to feel comfortable working in the office, cubicle, or other company areas. As well as arranging office furniture in a way that it is not hazardous for employees. 

Getting work accommodation such as noise canceling headphones, a quieter room, less distractions, and less interruptions can be suggested to HR and your supervisor. Nonetheless, it is always recommended to consult with them on how they can accommodate. However, understand and know your employees’ rights and protective laws regarding dyslexia and learning disabilities. It is important to bring an understanding of dyslexia in the workplace. Also, suggest accommodations and tools to help you work and manage your work stress. 

For example, having instructions written and using a text to speech tool can be helpful. Another example of accommodation can be having a summary of work tasks and dividing the tasks with color folders. Playing music at the lowest volume especially if you have a cubicle job with another employee. Other accommodation can be giving a few minutes to relax and to review emails before sending them to customers, clients, or patients. Learning to manage worrying, anxiety, and other work stress issues can make it easier to work while having dyslexia. 

Having dyslexia does not prevent you from having a successful career and job experiences. However, do ask for help before the job becomes more stressful. Also, finding ways to reduce your stress, to slow down, and breathing techniques to improve your working environment. Be proud of yourself and understand your learning styles. As well as celebrating your success and not letting anyone make you feel uncomfortable because of having a learning disability. 

Every year on October fifth through October eleventh is Dyslexia Awareness Week. Give red roses to Go Red for Dyslexia. Wear red ribbons, red T-shirts, or anything red for celebrating one’s work strengths and for an understanding of dyslexia. Donate to a reading charity, donate books to a school, or donate books to a library. Lastly, wear red clothes in the workplace to bring awareness of dyslexia. 

Another tip is not to laugh at an employee for misspelled words, stuttering, or pressuring them to work quicker in the workplace. Also, if you have dyslexia, it is essential to make healthier friendships with your coworkers. Often not feeling you fit in the workplace can be challenging, frustrating, and tough to manage those feelings. Consult a professional therapist to help you balance work and managing your feelings regarding your learning disability. Here are websites with more information for Dyslexia Awareness Week. 

 

10 Ways to Raise Dyslexia Awareness:

10 Ways to Raise Dyslexia Awareness | Boelo van der Pool

British Dyslexia Association:

Dyslexia Awareness Week - British Dyslexia Association

How to Ask for Workplace Accommodations When You have Dyslexia:

How to Ask for Workplace Accommodations When You Have Dyslexia

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