Time Management Techniques Tailored for Dyslexic Minds
- Jarone Macklin-Page
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Work smarter, not harder, in a world that expects results.
If you're dyslexic and trying to keep up with workplace demands, deadlines, meetings, reports, and emails, it can sometimes feel like you're sprinting while everyone else is calmly jogging.
The pressure to be on time, stay organised, and keep pace with others is real. But here’s the truth: dyslexic professionals aren’t lazy or disorganised, we just process time differently. And once you know how to work with that difference, not against it, you can absolutely thrive in fast-paced, results-driven environments.
This blog isn’t about fluffy advice. It’s about giving you practical, employer-aligned strategies that respect your dyslexic brain and help you meet real-world expectations.
1. Use Visual Time Blocks to Structure Your Day
Because “just make a list” doesn’t work for everyone.
Why it matters in the workplace: Employers expect visibility, knowing you can meet deadlines and manage your workload. If written lists trip you up or everything looks “equal priority,” try a more visual system.
What to do:
Use a digital calendar (Google or Outlook) and break your day into colour-coded blocks: emails, meetings, focused work, breaks.
Add reminders 10 minutes before each block to help you shift gears.
Avoid cramming. Build buffer time between meetings and major tasks so you’re not constantly catching up.
✅ Best for: Keeping on track with minimal mental effort. Bonus, your manager can see you’re managing your time well, even if your process looks different.
2. Break Tasks Down Like a Pro
“Start report” is not a helpful instruction. Let’s fix that.
Why it matters in the workplace: Time blindness makes estimating task length hard. Breaking work into bite-sized chunks helps you hit deliverables without last-minute panics.
What to do: Take any task and ask: What’s the very first thing I need to do?
For example:
Instead of “Prepare client update,” use:
Review last notes (10 mins)
Draft bullet points (15 mins)
Format email (10 mins)
Send and follow up (5 mins)
Use a timer or a tool like Pomofocus or Notion to help structure each step.
✅ Best for: Managing overwhelm and showing progress even when tasks feel huge.
3. Use Your Calendar as Your Second Brain
Because memory is a terrible storage device.
Why it matters in the workplace: Relying on memory can lead to missed deadlines or awkward moments in meetings. Externalising your to-dos builds reliability, something every employer values.
What to do:
Put every task in your calendar, even small ones like “prep slides” or “respond to Sarah.”
Use recurring reminders for weekly or monthly duties.
Have a 15-minute daily check-in with your calendar so nothing slips through the cracks.
✅ Best for: Creating consistent habits and being seen as reliable without overloading your mind.
4. Focus in Short Bursts (and Be Honest About Your Limits)
Burnout doesn’t help anyone. Neither does overpromising.
Why it matters in the workplace: Sustained focus can be tough for dyslexic minds, especially with written work or back-to-back meetings. But delivering consistent output is expected. The key is to pace yourself smartly.
What to do:
Work in 25-minute sprints with 5-minute breaks. That’s enough to make real progress and avoid fatigue.
Flag your most demanding tasks for times when your energy is naturally higher (e.g. morning).
Let your team know when you work best. It shows maturity and can lead to more flexible, productive setups.
✅ Best for: Delivering quality work without running yourself into the ground.
5. Templates Are Your Best Friend
Repetition is draining. Systems save time.
Why it matters in the workplace: The more consistently you deliver, the more you’re trusted. Templates reduce mistakes, save energy, and help you meet that standard.
What to do:
Create templates for emails, reports, meeting notes—anything you do more than once.
Use AI tools like Grammarly or ChatGPT to polish your writing quickly.
Create a checklist for any process you do often, so you don’t miss steps under pressure.
✅ Best for: Reducing mental load while increasing consistency and speed.
6. Tackle the Toughest Task First
Or at least before your energy dips.
Why it matters in the workplace: Putting off the big stuff until the end of the day usually means it doesn’t get done, or gets rushed. That affects your performance and reputation.
What to do:
Pick one important task each morning and aim to complete it before lunch.
Use accountability, tell a teammate what you're doing first thing. You’re more likely to follow through.
If you hit a wall, switch tasks, but come back to it. Avoid avoidance loops.
✅ Best for: Getting noticed for doing the work that actually matters.
7. Own Your Tools and Tech
Because you don’t need to do it all on your own brainpower.
Why it matters in the workplace: If technology can reduce mistakes or help you work faster, that’s not cheating, it’s smart. And many of these are covered as reasonable adjustments under UK workplace law.
Tools to try:
Otter.ai – for transcribing meetings
MindMeister – for brainstorming visually
Speech-to-text in Microsoft Word or Google Docs
Todoist or Trello – for tracking your tasks across projects
✅ Best for: Increasing independence while staying on top of workload expectations.
Final Thought:
Time management isn’t about doing what everyone else does; it’s about delivering the same (or better) results in a way that works for you. Employers care about outcomes. If you’re organised, consistent, and communicating well, it doesn’t matter if your method looks different. What matters is that it works.
At Pro Dyslexic, we don’t believe in generic advice. We believe in building real systems that help you thrive at work. Whether you’re juggling deadlines, job hunting, or stepping into a new role, we’re here to help you turn your time into progress.
💬 Need help setting up a personalised time strategy? Book a free 30-minute call. We'll map out a time management plan that works for your brain and your workplace.
Comments