Literacy in the workplace

Abstract

This chapter considers the challenge of literacy, language and numeracy (LLN) issues in contemporary workplaces, both in Australia and internationally. It firstly considers the gradual recognition that adult LLN is a widespread issue warranting government responses and its links to debates about improving labour productivity. LLN issues among workers are then examined in detail, reviewing their distribution in the workforce and implications for LLN provision in the workplace. Implications of recent research studies of workplace LLN programs are discussed as well as the need to ensure that newly acquired LLN skills learned in courses are transferred back into everyday workplace practices.