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Benefits of Workplace Education

A more literate workforce increases productivity: The C. D. Howe Institute reports that a 1% rise in a country’s literacy level, relative to the international average, is associated with an eventual 2.5% rise in labour productivity and a 1.5% rise in the per capita Gross Domestic Product (Public Investment in Skills: Are Canadian Governments Doing Enough?, Serge Coulombe and Jean-François Tremblay, C.D. Howe Institute, 2005).

79% of respondents in a Conference Board of Canada study reported increased productivity in their workplaces because of their basic skills programs (The Economic Benefits of Improving Literacy Skills in the Workplace, Conference Board of Canada, 2007).

The same report also indicates that employees are more likely to take ownership of their work, become more effective decision-makers and be more actively engaged at work.  Other benefits include enhanced team work and improved labour-management relations.

Improved literacy skills prepare employees for managerial and technological changes and position the company for greater competitiveness.

Employees who take part in literacy and essential skills programs increase their level of self-confidence, acquire new skills, are better prepared to seek promotion opportunities and believe that they are valued by their workplaces.  A company that offers education opportunities is more likely to keep its employees.