Problem: Literacy in the Workplace

• In a 2003 adult literacy study, 23,000 Canadians were tested
• 42% of Ontarians, representing almost 3.5 million people, scored below adequate literacy levels
• 50% of Ontarians, representing over 4.1 million people, scored below adequate levels in numeracy
• the largest proportion of workers with the lowest level of proficiency are in the manufacturing, construction, transportation, gas and electricity industries
• Four in ten Canadians do not have the literacy skills needed to meet increasing demands of modern life and economy

People affected by problem: Everyone

• Workers
• Employers
• Economy

Solution: Raise the level of literacy and essential skills in the workplace
Employers must get involved. Studies show that literacy in the workplace not only helps the employee, but also the employer. Investing in workplace literacy helps:

• Improve productivity
• Decrease the chances of workplace injuries (improves health and safety)
• Build employee loyalty
• Improve communication
• Create a more effective workplace

Cost of Solution: Free

• A gap exists between local workplace literacy resources and employers. The Workforce Development Board and Literacy Ontario Central South are working to close that gap
• There are resources available to help employers assess needs, design in-house programs, link employees with upgrading and other literacy and basic skills programs
• For more information on local resources, free tools, and how you can help improve literacy in the workplace, click here