Workplace Literacy

Workplace Literacy

Literacy and numeracy skills are developed over a lifetime. 


 

Workplace literacy skills including English language proficiency, reading, writing,
problem solving, maths, and use of information technologies can be hard for some
people due to various reasons.

Today’s workplaces are technologically advanced and changing rapidly.
The ability to read and write is needed in most workplaces not only to effectively communicate
and problem solve but also to upskill, re-skill and adapt to changing workplace requirements.
Workers need to build their skills throughout their working life.

Employers particularly notice literacy gaps when workers cannot transfer their skills
from school or education settings into the workplace as well as when moving into different roles.

93 % of employers identified some impact on their business due to poor literacy and numeracy.

 

Benefits for Employers

Improving workers’ language, literacy and numeracy skills on the job benefits employees and businesses through improved productivity, efficiency, and compliance.

  • Better use of time and resources
  • Improved teamwork and communication
  • Reduction in waste and errors
  • Safer work practices
  • Improved documentation and quality control
  • Better customer service
  • Greater capacity to manage change
  • Confident and capable workforce
  • Lower turnover
Ways to Take Action

It is important to recognise and address literacy gaps in the workforce. However, employees who need literacy support are often reluctant to talk about it and don’t want to be singled out for special treatment. The best approach is one that involves ALL workers, emphasising the importance of continually updating these skills.

  • Always confirm a worker’s understanding 
  • Use simple, plain English
  • Provide training materials in different formats
  • Reviewing internal systems and processes
  • Documenting Workplace skill requirements
  • Work with a third party or training providers
  • Develop inclusive, non-threatening skill building solutions
  • Workforce feedback
Read Write Now Literacy Support for Employers

Read Write Now offers free adult literacy support for employers to build the skills of your workforce.

Improving the foundation skills of your workers through workplace training and education will benefit workers, their families, your business, and the economy.

Literacy training can be delivered via in-house, off-site or one-on-one. It can focus on reading, writing and numeracy skills, or be part of other skills training. We are funded by the Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development and have been offering adult literacy support in Western Australia for over 45 years.

For further information call us now on 1800 018 802 or email.