Literacy prize joins EEO Trust Work & Life Awards 2009

Employers who take practical action to boost employees' literacy and numeracy will be recognised for the first time in this year's EEO Trust Work & Life Awards.

The Skills Highway Award, backed by the Department of Labour (DoL), will acknowledge employers who help staff improve their reading, writing and maths. Research shows that more than 40% of New Zealanders don't have the literacy and numeracy necessary to understand many of the written documents or maths needed in the workplace.

Studies also suggest that employees who are helped to improve their skills become more productive, make fewer errors, and enjoy a boost in self-esteem, says Dr Philippa Reed, Chief Executive of the EEO Trust. "These skills are critical in tough economic times, when productivity and engagement are more important than ever."

The Skills Highway Award is open to all organisations running literacy or numeracy programmes and joins six other categories in the EEO Trust Work & Life Awards 2009. The deadline for entries is July 23, with awards presented on Thursday October 29 at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

"The EEO Trust Work & Life Awards celebrate organisations that make the most of their diverse workforce."

For more on the EEO Trust Work & Life Awards http://www.eeotrust.org.nz/awards/awards.cfm.