Research study on dyslexia provision

in the European workplace

In 2013 Halfpenny Development conducted

pioneering research on dyslexia awareness

in SMEs across Europe with the

Employment Research Institute at Edinburgh

Napier University.

The 2012-13 Healthy Learning in SMEs project was a pan-European training

programme involving the Employment Research Institute at Edinburgh Napier

University and similar organisations from seven EU countries, funded through

the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme. Its aims were to:

• improve the growth and output of SMEs by increasing awareness of the

vital role played by learning opportunities in the workplace.

• create an environment in SMEs that improves and promotes learning

activities at work, in order to improve health and company competitiveness.

 Halfpenny Development contributed

questions about workplace provision for

dyslexic learners to the project’s survey of

SMEs and their training regimes.

Survey Results on

Workplace Dyslexia Provision

in SMEs

Outcome 1

Only 15% of SMEs had an opportunity for

relevant training for a dyslexic employee. 

It was unclear what the format of that training

would take.

Outcome 2

This outcome suggested that there is a lack of opportunities for increasing

knowledge and understanding of dyslexia for employees within SMEs.

15% of employees interviewed said workplace training opportunities for

increasing knowledge and understanding of dyslexia were:

fairly good

85% reported that training opportunities were either:

not very good     or    not good at all

Outcome 3

• There is a belief that training on dyslexia could:

• help produce a more skilled workforce

• benefit company image

• improve working relationships within the SME

Conclusions:

1. SMEs recognise the benefits that could arise from further

engagement with training and awareness on dyslexia related

issues.

2. Few SMEs are putting in place measures to improve training

opportunities for dyslexic employees.

 

Summary of research

findings from the ERI

There is considerable scope

to improve access to training

for employees with dyslexia.

There is considerable scope to improve awareness among employers and owners of SMEs regarding the type of support that could be made available.

The pattern suggests that most SMEs are without adequate understanding of issues around dyslexia in their staff.

This is unfortunate as the success of SMEs is dependent on ensuring that staff are motivated and engaged with their work..

In cases where dyslexic entrepreneurs or dyslexic employees are unable to access relevant training or support opportunities, there may be negative effects on the SME. 

In cases where dyslexic entrepreneurs or dyslexic employees are unable to access relevant training or support opportunities, there may be negative effects on their career development.

Source: Data on Dyslexia Awareness from the

Healthy Learning in SME Project:

A Summary to Halfpenny Development Ltd

Employment Research Institute, Edinburgh Napier

University, 2013  (unpublished)

Now Watch the HLS Project video,

featuring research aims, results and

contributions from European partners

and Halfpenny Development: