Broader
Benefits
Improving their workplace
basic skills improves employees' quality of life:
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."
-
Assembly Worker,
Small Midwestern Manufacturing Company
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."
-
Food Service Aid Supervisor,
Western Hospital
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."
-
Housekeeper,
Large Eastern Medical Center
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 . |