We take a broad definition of literacy and numeracy. Literacy: The written and oral language used in life and work. This includes reading, writing, speaking, listening and communication. These skills are essential for good communication, critical thinking and problem-solving. Literacy includes building the skills to communicate (at work) for speakers of other languages.   Numeracy: The bridge between mathematics and real life. This includes the knowledge and skills needed to apply mathematics to everyday family and financial matters, work and community tasks. Sometimes the impact on your business is quite clear. In manufacturing, for example, there is often a close link between literacy and numeracy and more efficient, lean practice. For service industries, the link may not be as transparent or as easily quantifiable but it is very much there. Here are some comments from managers about the effect of  literacy and numeracy in their business context. The first step is understanding how developing skills will make a difference to your business. Once you have a clear idea of the business drivers and how these connect with your business’s goals and values, you can start building the case to put support in place. These early discussions are really important in shaping how a programme develops and getting buy in from board level to the shop floor. For your business, it is about …?   The Skills Highway website created by The Department of Labour has some useful background information and resources for employers. It is a great place to find out how similar businesses to yours are addressing these training issues. Click here to link to Skills Highway. From here, we can look at building the business case for getting upskilling happening and developing a strategic response. Take the first step and call Nick and the team on 09 303 1653. Image copyright sicamp. Used under creative commons license. Click here to view sicamp’s photostream.