“Most businesses underestimate the importance of literacy. Higher literacy skills lead to increased output, higher productivity, greater ability to do on-the-job training, reduced error rates or workplace accidents, better customer service and greater employee retention. Ultimately, this all leads to higher profitability. Businesses tend to be comfortable with investing in specific skills training, such as learning a new piece of software. Regrettably, many firms fail to appreciate the merits of investing in basic skills development, like literacy in English or French.”
Craig Alexander, Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist, TD Bank Financial Group
Canadian HR Reporter, Page 31, September 20, 2010
