Basic skills are examined in a way that shows their relationship to other factors such as communication channels, work processes, equipment, existing training strategies, and management style. Upgrading programs are only one component of managing change. Because basic skills programs alone will not meet all the needs of a particular workplace, other activities are undertaken as well. Workplace basic skills programs are tailored to each workplace and its workers. The scope and variety of skills needed by workers varies from organization to organization and no one strategy or curriculum will fit all workplaces.
Clear language is essential.
All key workplace documents should be written clearly so that they can be understood by everyone. Workplace upgrading programs should be voluntary. Learning can take place only in a context where participants feel comfortable and have the motivation to learn. An organization that is not moving in the direction of high performance may not be ready to support a collaborative approach to workplace literacy. A program developer could conduct a workplace needs assessment to determine the company's present stage of development and discuss these findings with stakeholders as a means of clarifying their goals and values in relationship to the program.