Literacy in the workplace

The brief

Around one in five New Zealanders have very low literacy skills, and a further quarter have inadequate Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills to function effectively in a knowledge society. Unable to cope easily with changing technology and work roles, their lack of foundation skills is a drag on workplace performance – to say nothing of the stress caused by low self-esteem and difficulties outside work.

Downer EDI Works is one of the largest employers of people in frontline labour and semi-skilled roles. Company managers realised they needed to play their part in equipping employees with the foundation skills that could release their untapped potential.

The solution

The Learning Wave developed a new programme, called TeamWorks, specifically for Downer EDI Works. The course consisted of two consecutive days, followed by a break of six to eight weeks while follow-up tasks were completed. Participants then returned for another two days, with a total of 32 hours of teaching delivered by 11 facilitators in all 23 Downer EDI Works branches around the country.

Working with The Learning Wave, Downer EDI Works was able to access over $1 million of government funding to create and deliver this unique programme.

The result

776 employees participated in 2007, with a small group format that encouraged active involvement. The completion rate was high at 76.3% and participants completed an average of 13 unit standards each. Assessments showed an 18.4% gain in their scaled reading scores and a 19.4% increase in writing scores.

Managers have noticed profound changes in how employees see themselves and their roles. There’s an increased willingness to communicate and greater participation in problem solving. Better communication skills have even led to lower stress at home, as participants report they’re no longer struggling with the demands of work.

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