A person’s ability, particularly in adulthood, has a significant impact on their well-being. If their Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills are low, or even below average, their employment prospects and ability to generate wealth are also restrained.

Now, none of this will come as a surprise to most people or businesses. But what may surprise you, is that when an organisation supports adult learning, particularly around LLND, or their employees, that creates a range of benefits for the employer too.

Before we get too engrossed in what these benefits are, you may be wondering what LLND is.

What is LLND?

LLND is an initialism of Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital. Formerly referred to as LLN (Language, Literacy and Numeracy), digital literacy in today’s interconnected world has also become a major skill for life and therefore has been added to the mix to form LLND.

Initially, LLN or LLND is seen as an assessment tool to understand a person’s needs before they commence a new job or training. As experienced LLND practitioners, we have developed a range of programs using our Skills Explorer platform. This enables us to customise learning pathways for the individual and the business that we are working alongside, to ensure both reach their desired
outcomes.

What are the benefits of improving LLND skills for employers?

Adult learning doesn’t exclusively provide benefits to the person receiving the training. In fact, employers often benefit from a range of costs or productivity improvements. Here are some of the most common:

Improved morale through self-esteem and confidence

Confidence and self-esteem are reported to be one of the most commonly reported personal benefits for adult learners. When employees feel more confident in reading, writing, or dealing with numbers or technology, their anxiety levels decrease, as does any fear of embarrassment.

As their confidence grows so does their overall happiness and wellbeing, which in turn impacts their approach to work and how they interact with others. This is important for employers, because as morale increases, so does the employees’ confidence to be able to take on new challenges. Helping them to find solutions or improvements to everyday tasks, and as such, improving efficiency.

Improved communication (verbal and written) and therefore efficiency
Often when a person has poor written communication skills, it can also make it difficult to understand what is happening. This is particularly impactful in industrial roles such as warehousing or production lines, where incident reporting is a key tool for keeping everyone safe.

However, as their literacy skills improve their emails and messages become clearer and easier to understand. This ensures reports and risk assessments are more likely to capture the essence of what needs to be addressed.

Employees who also improve their oral communication are empowered to maintain succinct conversations with colleagues, management and even clients. Helping them to build relationships with their peers and a sense of belonging at your organisation.

Reduction of errors
As a learner enhances their Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital skills they are less likely to make written or numerical errors.

Their increased confidence in utilising technology correctly, alongside improved reading and comprehension, enables them to provide the information required correctly. This in turn reduces the time spent by management deciphering poorly written reports or correcting data entry issues. Instead, they can clearly see what is being reported or communicated and can make decisions more readily.

Reduction of safety and procedural breaches
If a person is unable to read and understand written communication, their ability to comprehend policies and procedures is dramatically reduced. With work, health and safety often being communicated in written format, this can create a challenge for employers in ensuring all team members adhere to health and safety guidelines.

People with low levels of literacy tend to find employment in high-risk industries such as construction, transport, manufacturing and agriculture. It is in these industries where understanding and acting within WHS protocols are increasingly important.

Enabling your team to quickly comprehend policies and procedures will help reduce accidents and ensure your workforce remains healthy.

Improved employability prospects
Great ‘hands-on workers’ are sometimes unable to climb the corporate ladder when their LLND skills are an issue. Through learning and development, we can remove this barrier, which can act as a catalyst for their career.

Satisfaction in the workplace is likely to coincide, meaning that they will be less likely to look for alternative employment, improving retention of skills, knowledge and people.

Not only will the organisation benefit through the longevity of employment, but as the learner’s performance and confidence improve, so will their efficacy and efficiency.

If you are an employer seeking a specialist LLND practitioner to better equip your employees and strengthen your workforce, please contact us.

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