How Come There Are So Few Dyslexics in Hiring Roles?

Ever walk into a store full of “Diversity Matters” posters only to realize no visible diversity works there?

Or show up for your first session with a fitness coach only to find they’re in worse shape than you are?

No one’s perfect—we all show up with inconsistencies, but some disconnects are impossible to ignore - like…

Drum roll please:
The lack of dyslexic representation in hiring roles.

Dyslexics Hiring Dyslexics

Dyslexia is the most common neurodiversity, affecting about 1 in 10 people. Yet, the job landscape for dyslexics is grim.

Over half of dyslexic employees report that their employers have a poor or non-existent understanding of their strengths. (The Dyslexic Dynamic Report, 2021)

How can we fix this? By changing hiring practices.

Imagine a world where dyslexics actively hired and supported each other.

Dyslexics bring proven skills in creativity, complex problem-solving, and communication​. (Made By Dyslexia MBD-Intelligence-5.0-Report, 2024)

Yet hiring managers, unaware of these strengths, overlook LEX talent or fail to create inclusive environments for them once hired.

“Just the Facts Please”

• 2024 Randstad Study: Dyslexic thinking skills -analytical thinking, creativity, and leadership- are now among the top 3 core competencies sought globally.​ (Made By Dyslexia MBD-Intelligence-5.0-Report, 2024)
  

• 2021 The Dyslexic Dynamic Report: 75% of dyslexics feel disadvantaged in the recruitment process and 79% believe they never get the chance to showcase their true abilities during interviews. (The Dyslexic Dynamic Report, 2021)
  

• 2018 EY Report: Automation will eliminate jobs that require rote memorization and reading, skills that dyslexics often struggle with. Instead, jobs demanding innovation, empathy, and leadership—dyslexic strengths—will skyrocket​. (EY Report, 2018)

Don’t Let the Door Hit Ya Where the Good Lord Split Ya! 

• The unemployment rate for neurodivergent adults is estimated to be 30-40%, which is 3X higher than the rate for people with disabilities and 8X higher than the rate for people without disabilities. (The Center for Neurodiversity and Employment Innovation)

• For adults with dyslexia specifically, the unemployment rate in the U.S. is around 45%. (Tremaine Foundation, the International Dyslexia Association, and the National Center for Learning Disabilities)
  

• Dyslexic individuals earn approximately 15% less per year than non-dyslexic individuals. (Cambridge University Press 2017)

The Rising Tide 

So, how do we create posi+ive change?

• Employ Dyslexia: Made By Dyslexia's global initiative is training companies to recognize dyslexic strengths, aiming to make recruitment inclusive and empowering​. (Made By Dyslexia MBD-Intelligence-5.0-Report, 2024)
  

• Strength-Based Hiring: Organizations need to adopt a strengths-based approach, valuing dyslexic thinking skills
  

• Community Empowerment: Dyslexics hiring dyslexics can accelerate change. It’s about creating environments that not only understand but also appreciate different ways of thinking.

Game Recognize Game | LEX On LEX 

Having coached dyslexics who’ve also been coached by non-dyslexics, there is a dynamic LEX connection that’s impossible to imitate.

Now imagine teams or workforces functioning with that same level of understanding on top of their natural skills and capabilities…

¿Cómo Se Dice… “Win-Win?”

What if we finally recognized dyslexic intelligence on a global scale?