Leading Diverse Workforces: Perspectives from Managers and Employers about Dyslexic Employees in Australian Workplaces

Shae Wissell (), Leila Karimi, Tanya Serry, Lisa Furlong and Judith Hudson
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Shae Wissell: School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
Leila Karimi: School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
Tanya Serry: School of Education, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
Lisa Furlong: School of Education, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
Judith Hudson: School of Education, University Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 19, 1-18

Abstract: Background: Dyslexia is a specific learning disability affecting around 1 in 10 Australian adults. It presents unique challenges for employees in the workforce, yet community and workplace awareness of the challenges of dyslexia is limited. The aim of this preliminary research was to explore the experiences and perspectives of Australian employers and managers responsible for supervising employees with dyslexia in the workplace. Materials and Methods: Using a qualitative research design, we conducted in-depth interviews with four managers who had current or previous experience managing employees with dyslexia. We used a deductive approach to analyse the data and categorise responses to the study questions. Results: Participant responses indicated that there is a lack of awareness and understanding of dyslexia within Australian workplaces. Participants identified challenges facing employees with dyslexia in the workplace including, differing personal levels of confidence and comfort in disclosing disability; the possibility of discrimination, and a lack of inclusive organisational practices and processes. Suggestions for ways to improve workplaces for dyslexic employees included: additional support for leaders and managers to drive inclusive leadership, and additional training for leaders and managers on how to best support employees with dyslexia. Conclusions: While only a small sample size, this study indicates that further research is needed to better understand the working environment of Australian leaders and managers. It appears that leaders and mangers need skills and knowledge to better support employees with dyslexia and in doing so create more inclusive workplaces.

Keywords: dyslexia; workplace; employers; managers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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