Broader Benefits

Improving their workplace basic skills improves employees' quality of life:

• Improvements Outside the Workplace

The impact of workplace education programs on employees spills over into family and community life. Employees gain skills that enable them to undertake activities that range from helping with their children's’ homework and participating in school functions to taking on voluntary community roles. The skills they gain improve their quality of life: they are prouder of their accomplishments, more confident in their ability to communicate and interact with people outside work, enjoy improved relationships with members of their own family, and feel more positive about their value as a person in every sense.

For many employees the benefits of WEP training spill over into their family and community lives. These impacts are significant and can greatly affect the success of the program and the commitment that employees feel towards their job and the workplace.

"I am happier at work and with my job. It helps me with my outside life as well and to communicate in English with my children."

For many employees, the initial motivation for participating in a WEP was to be able to be more involved in their children’s schooling. Employees speak with pride of being more aware of what their children are learning and being able to help them with their homework. One woman who could not write before her involvement in the program stated that she can now write to her daughter’s teacher and respond to reports sent from the school. People who could not speak English very well said that their improved language skills made them more connected to their children and to what they were doing in school. For these employees, it is important that their own actions reinforce the message to their children that schooling is important.

"My whole life has changed. Getting my GED was the thing that showed me that I could do things if I tried, I could further myself if I tried. I could help my kids with their homework. I stopped feeling so bad inside."

Employees also point to their increased participation in community activities. One man who spoke little English when he first began his job stated that he now volunteers at his son’s school, the public library and a local seniors center. He also provides volunteer translation services for others in his community who speak little English.

For some employees, the impact that their participation in WEPs has had on their lives is extraordinary. One employees spoke of being "a whole different person, with a different job, and a whole different way of communicating with my wife and children." He stated that without the program, "I wouldn’t have my job, I wouldn’t be a U.S. citizen, I wouldn’t have my GED, and I wouldn’t be in college."

"The program made me feel good about myself and more aware of things both at work and beyond."

New worlds open up to many of these participants. The improved reading, writing and communication skills enable them to participate in new areas. One employee spoke of now being able to read about politics and discuss it with his co-workers. Another spoke of the increased awareness that is fostered by WEPs.

"I thank God they had these classes, they changed my life. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for the classes. I’d probably be back on welfare."

- Food Service Aid Supervisor,
Western Hospital

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Last updated: February 23, 2001 .