Developing a Workplace Literacy Program: Basic Skills

What is a “Workplace Literacy” or a “Basic Skills” program?

It is a program of education and training, sometimes supported with policy, which focuses on employee basic skills.  Basic skills include reading, writing, speaking, math, thinking and sometimes computer skills.  

Why would I want a “Workplace Literacy” program?

According to the National Literacy Survey that was conducted in 1992, 22% of Canadians find reading material that is not within familiar contexts and clearly laid out difficult. 16% of Canadians have reading skills that are too limited to read simple materials found in everyday life. This means that many workers find it challenging to read company memos, procedures etc.  It also means that learning from reading is difficult and that training and learning in general may be avoided or not used effectively.  Writing, a related skill is also difficult. Reading statistics are worse for immigrants for whom English is a second language.  Many brilliant and gifted new Canadians employees do not achieve their career potential because others find it difficult to easily understand them when they speak.

Monitoring using sophisticated technology and an increased emphasis on business financial controls mean that more employees are required to use numbers regularly as part of their job.  38% of Canadian adults do not possess the necessary math skills to perform simple numerical calculations such as addition or subtraction.

Only 15% of Canadian companies are currently addressing these issues with workplace literacy programs.  Your staff and their skills are your best competitive advantage.

How would I know if my employees have literacy problems that need to be addressed?

• Do people avoid training experiences especially ones that are for credit and are reading based and self study?
• Do people fail technical or safety training examinations?
• Is there a high immigrant population who speaks English as a second language?
• Has there been a large number of changes in your organization requiring people to do more reading or writing  i.e. read or write more reports, do more computation, talk to customers?
• Have work tasks that require more reading or numerical analysis been given to individuals whose work has never required these kinds of tasks before?
• Is there pressure in union negotiations to have more training and higher certification?  This can come from either union or management.

How are “Workplace Literacy Programs” different from other training initiatives?

Because Workplace Literacy Programs deal with very basic skills, usually individuals feel insecure about participating.  They accept their lower ability level and believe wrongly that development is not possible.  They often fear that they will be fired if they admit to having difficulty in these areas.  Managers often are concerned that if they suggest that an individual has problems in these areas they will violate human rights.

Although these fears are unfounded, careful consideration must be given to how a Workplace Literacy Program is developed.  Education and participation is critical.

How can do you get your “Workplace Literacy Program” going?

1. Provide education to union and management about workplace literacy programs, their benefits and challenges.
2. Facilitate the process of decision making with these stakeholders to determine if a program is needed.  This may include designing and conducting a needs assessment.
3. Develop a strategy for a “Workplace Literacy Program”.  This is best done using a cross functional team than represents both employees and management.
4. Manage the process of communication and commitment building.  Participation = Commitment.  The more involvement you have the more commitment there will be to the program.
5. Develop a project plan.  This should consider other organizational initiatives that require focus and resources.  A Communication plan is a key component of an effective project plan.
6. Conduct research on suppliers of needs assessment and training are skillful and will ensure individuals and the company are taken care of of..
7. Review and write policy that affects workplace literacy programs and the development of basic skills.
8. Develop an evaluation process and conduct an evaluation of the success of your program.