Workplace Literacy

Workplace Literacy and How It Can Help My Business:
In response to the growing number of small businesses in Suffolk County experiencing communication barriers with employees whose native language is not English, Literacy Suffolk, Inc. has developed a program to benefit both employee and employer. The program is intended to encourage job-related literacy and basic skills education.

The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Workplace Literacy Program was created with an understanding that time and transportation constraints make it difficult for many individuals needing English language instruction to obtain it through traditional learning settings.

What Literacy Suffolk Offers:
Literacy Suffolk offers local businesses English instruction for employees provided by a trained tutor and centered on topics such as:

• Workplace Terminology
• Understanding Verbal Instruction
• Health and Safety Issues
• Time Management Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• American Culture

Workplace Literacy is Effective:
The effectiveness of the program may be best portrayed through the words of one workplace literacy site employer:

“One of the major strengths of the workforce in our area–its diversity–also presents a challenge. Many companies are faced with the need to communicate with workers who lack even a basic command of the English language. This program offers weekly two-hour sessions in English training at our facility. When our workers learn the basics of English, it not only boosts their safety and productivity, it increases their sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.”