Workplace Needs Assessments

Q: How long does a Workplace Needs Assessment take?

Typically, assessments take around 2–3 hours , with some time required beforehand for questionnaires and history gathering.

Workplace Needs Assessments

A workplace needs assessment is a useful next step following a diagnosis of a specific learning difficulty. It helps all those involved to understand the reasonable adjustments, discuss bespoke strategies based on individual needs to support the individual within the workplace in being able to fulfil their job role.

A Workplace Needs Assessment will investigate:

Job Role Demands:

The assessment explores the specific tasks, responsibilities and expectations of the employee’s role, including:

Reading, writing and documentation requirements
Organisation, planning and time-management tasks
Use of digital tools, software, and communication systems
Any performance pressures or productivity targets

Workplace Difficulties and Strengths:

The assessor will meet the employee and in a later meeting, their manager, to discuss the areas of work that the employee finds challenging in the workplace, such as:

Reading accuracy or speed
Report writing, spelling or note-taking
Memory, organisation or processing of instructions
Confidence in meetings or verbal communication
Managing workload, deadlines or prioritisation

They will also identify strengths, problem-solving skills, and strategies the employee already uses effectively.

Environmental and Practical Factors:

This part considers the day-to-day setup of the working environment, including:

Physical workspace (noise, lighting, layout)
Digital workspace (email load, file systems, software demands)
Hybrid/remote working issues
How adjustments to the physical environment can help the individual to perform to the best of their ability

Assistive Technology and Training Needs:

The assessor reviews any existing support/technology and discusses:

Suitable assistive software (e.g. text-to-speech, mind-mapping, speech-to-text)
Potential training or coaching needs
Adjustments to workflow or communication methods
Changes that may help reduce stress or improve efficiency
Support for emotional regulation at work, understanding potential overwhelm and strategies to manage this

Eligibility for Workplace Needs Assessments

Workplace assessments are appropriate for adults who have been diagnosed with a learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, Autism etc and who are in paid employment, apprenticeships, or preparing to start work. In addition, workplace assessments are suitable for people who identify as neurodiverse, or are awaiting an assessment.

Unlike a diagnostic assessment, a Workplace Needs Assessment is not age-limited and can be completed at any stage of a person’s career. There is no requirement to repeat the assessment unless:

The job role changes,
Technologies or duties shift significantly,
or new challenges arise that require further support.

The Assessment Report

The Workplace Needs Assessment report is based on:

The employee’s background information
Job role requirements
Discussion of workplace challenges and strengths
The employer’s perspective (usually a brief manager discussion)
The assessor’s observations and professional judgement

The report does not diagnose a learning difficulty, but it does:

Explain how the employee’s profile (dyslexia or other neurodivergent traits) affects their day-to-day work
Outline any functional difficulties observed or reported
Provide a clear set of reasonable adjustments tailored to the job role

Even if difficulties are mild or not clearly linked to dyslexia, the report still provides a practical plan for supporting the individual to work more efficiently and confidently.

Recommendations may include:

Assistive technology (software and hardware)
Changes to workflow, communication or task design
Memory, organisation or time-management strategies
Specialist coaching or training
Environmental adjustments
Suggestions for employer processes or supportive practices
Referrals to other professionals where appropriate

Workplace Needs Assessment Benefits

The three main benefits of a workplace needs assessment are:

1. Clear, practical recommendations for the employer

The report provides specific, actionable adjustments such as:

Technology tools
Changes to task management
Alternative communication methods
Coaching or mentoring

These help employers meet their duties under the Equality Act and support the employee effectively.

2. Improved workplace performance and wellbeing

The recommendations are designed to reduce barriers, increase productivity and accuracy, and help the employee work with confidence. Employers also gain a better understanding of how the employees neurodiversity impacts on their day-to-day tasks.

3. Support with Access to Work applications

The report can be used as evidence when applying for Access to Work, which may fund:

Specialist coaching
Assistive technology
Workplace adaptations
Travel support

This can significantly reduce costs for both employee and employer.

Workplace Needs Assessment Process

Step 1. Before the Assessment

Complete a short questionnaire outlining your job role, daily tasks, and any challenges you experience at work.
Your manager may also complete a brief form describing workplace expectations and any concerns
You can share previous reports (e.g. dyslexia diagnosis), but no formal paperwork is required.
The assessor reviews this information to understand your role, strengths, and areas where support may be needed.

Step 2. Online meeting (2.5 hours)

Conducted via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams
Led by a trained workplace needs assessor with experience in neurodiversity and employment settings.
Begins with a short discussion with your manager (usually 30 minutes) to understand role demands.
Followed by a detailed discussion with you covering:
Job responsibilities and daily tasks
Specific difficulties you experience (e.g., organisation, reading, writing, memory, processing)
Current strategies, strengths, and coping methods
The assessor may explore practical tasks, workflows, or software you use to identify barriers and possible adjustments.
No formal testing is involved; it is a structured, supportive conversation focused on workplace function.

Step 3. After the Assessment

Receive a clear, confidential report within 3 weeks.
The report outlines:
Your workplace strengths
Identified challenges linked to dyslexia or processing differences
Tailored recommendations for reasonable adjustments
Suggested assistive technology, coaching, training, or environmental changes
You can share the report with your employer to help implement the adjustments.
The report can also be used as supporting evidence for an Access to Work application.

Workplace Needs Assessment

£500

For adults with a dyslexia/dyscalculia /DCD/ADHD/autism diagnosis
A meeting with the employee, followed by a further meeting with their manager, at a later date. These enable the development of personalised recommendations, strategies and reasonable adjustments to support the individual within their job role.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a Workplace Needs Assessment?

A Workplace Needs Assessment identifies the specific adjustments, tools, and strategies that will help you work more effectively. It provides clear, practical recommendations for your employer and can be used to support an Access to Work application.

Who is eligible for a Workplace Needs Assessment?

Any adult in employment, including apprentices and remote workers, can book a workplace assessment if they are experiencing difficulties related to dyslexia or other neurodivergent traits. You do not need a recent diagnostic report to be eligible.

Does the assessment provide a dyslexia diagnosis?

Workplace assessments are conducted remotely via secure video call (e.g. Zoom, Teams, Google Meet). This ensures the process is flexible, accessible, and suitable for employees across the UK.

How long does a Workplace Needs Assessment take?

Typically, assessments take around 2–3 hours, with some time required beforehand for questionnaires and history gathering.

Is the assessment done remotely or in person?

Workplace assessments are conducted remotely via secure video call (e.g. Zoom, Teams, Google Meet). This ensures the process is flexible, accessible, and suitable for employees across the UK.

Do you have any further questions? Contact us and we will be happy to help.

Workplace Needs Assessments

A Workplace Needs Assessment will investigate:

Job Role Demands:

Workplace Difficulties and Strengths:

Environmental and Practical Factors:

Assistive Technology and Training Needs:

Eligibility for Workplace Needs Assessments

The Assessment Report

Workplace Needs Assessment Benefits

1. Clear, practical recommendations for the employer

2. Improved workplace performance and wellbeing

3. Support with Access to Work applications

Workplace Needs Assessment Process

Step 1. Before the Assessment

Step 2. Online meeting (2.5 hours)

Step 3. After the Assessment

Workplace Needs Assessment

£500

Frequently Asked Questions

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