Modern literacy means business

We recently presented with our partner, NZ Post, on the shift in literacy. Yes, traditional skills, reading, writing, listening, speaking, and numeracy are still relevant, but now they must be balanced in a broader set of competencies that drive business value.

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Digital skills are no longer optional

Most jobs now require comfort with digital tools, even those that we don’t associate with tech. Modern platforms, systems, automation and AI demand digital confidence and a mindset for digital safety.

Education Unlimited typically tailors its training with a skills check for each employee. The training itself helps people level up their skills in a measurable way. Additionally, and perhaps as importantly, it sparks an appetite for continued learning. This is vital with the pace of technological change. After the programme, people feel more confident operating systems and responding to tasks. Many people also feel more in touch with their families and their digital worlds.

As Azeeliah at NZ Post explained, “The thing that really amazed me was AI; anything you want to know, you can just search it up in AI. I don’t use a laptop on a daily basis, but now I am feeling more confident and interested in everything that’s just at your fingertips.”

Language and numeracy are the building blocks

Strong reading of words and numbers directly impacts efficiency and effectiveness within teams. New Zealand workplaces can thrive with diverse perspectives, but only if there is a shared understanding of the direction.

Education Unlimited Kaiako (tutor), Jenna, is passionate about building reading skills and fondly remembers the impact on individuals like Wayne.

“We noticed that Wayne could use a little additional support with reading comprehension and digital literacy, and we were able to give him 20 hours of one-on-one training,” says Jenna.

Jenna taught Wayne about punctuation and helped him navigate all the functions on his new mobile phone.

“I never used to use any full stops, commas or capital letters in my texts and emails. I’d just type away without any punctuation! Now my writing is much more professional,” he explains.

With stronger numeracy skills, staff are equipped for better decision-making both at work and at home. At Supply Chain Solutions, tauira (student)  Agnes explained, "My goal was having an emergency fund, and I have one now! Doing that just takes a bit of stress off, and just means I know that I can handle life".

The security of that buffer can make such a difference to everyday peace of mind, allowing people to navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease. This means they’re more present and focused at work.

Critical thinking and problem-solving are essential

To perform, our people need the ability to approach challenges with curiosity and agency so they can seek out solutions. Rosemary at NZ Post says the Level-Up programme gave her the confidence to ask for help. “I developed my way of going into things. I began asking more questions to make sure I was thinking about the right thing, like “what happens to this if you were to go do a particular action. It means I can focus on what will help the most.”

Communication and confidence enrich teams‍

When your staff participate and engage, you not only gather more views and ideas, but you can also keep the workplace safe.

Tina Rose (Managing Director of Education Unlimited) explains, “Everyone needs to believe that they have a voice, and that voice needs to be heard. Then, every person in your team can be an important part of creating positive change within the workplace.  

This wide view of literacy sets the foundation for meaningful business: innovation, efficiency, productivity, and resilience.

In contrast, without this broad range of modern literacy skills, adults are at a huge disadvantage. They have fewer career pathways, a greater likelihood of job loss, and reduced earning capability – not to mention diminished opportunities for personal success,” says Tina.

UNESCO runs International Literacy Day for this very reason. It views Literacy as a fundamental human right for all. It opens the door to the enjoyment of other human rights, greater freedoms, and global citizenship.

“The world is rapidly changing, and digital transformation is impacting virtually every industry and every job. These foundational skills provide the building blocks for the development of new capabilities, enabling people to thrive in our increasingly digital landscape, and develop skill sets that go beyond the workplace to home, whānau (family) and community.”

Rethinking literacy and investing in it sets the foundation for meaningful business: innovation, efficiency, productivity, and resilience.

The benefits of investing are clear

There’s a strong business case for helping your team build literacy skills, especially if you are clear about what you’re trying to achieve. That’s why Education Unlimited keeps your end goals in mind right from the start. Here’s where better literacy leads.

1. Productivity gains: Literate, tech-savvy employees adapt faster to new systems or instructions, make fewer errors, and take pride in high-quality work.
2. Safer workplaces: Employees who can understand and act on complex safety protocols help reduce accidents and disruptions.
3. Reduced absenteeism and better engagement: Staff with strong ‘modern literacy skills’ are confident, motivated, and more likely to participate fully in work life, which leads to fewer absences and lower turnover.
4. Innovation and adaptability: As staff get comfortable with digital systems and problem-solving, adaptive change becomes a habit—not a hurdle.
5. Team culture: Backing your people to learn and grow together brings better team engagement, heightened confidence, and real improvements in business performance.

The results speak for themselves

Through the Level Up programme with NZ Post, staff report stronger engagement, clearer communication, and greater readiness for digital transformation. The 10-week course is being delivered to NZ Post staff nationwide, with 2.5 hours off the job each week for employees to “level up” their reading, writing, communication, digital and money capabilities. 

Already 100s of NZ Post staff from Whangārei to Ōtepoti, Dunedin have graduated from the programme, and it continues to expand throughout 2025 and beyond.

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