This bulletin for businesses is a step-by-step guide to planning and implementing an effective job-related employee basic skills program. Part 1 provides general principles to guide the effort. It addresses literacy and basic skills, the importance of context, and changing requirements for literacy. A preview of key program principles concludes this section. Part 2 discusses 12 basic steps to take in deciding on the purpose and content of a basic skills program, implementing it, and assuring it will be effective. Part 3 considers some special issues, including scheduling classes, when a general literacy program is appropriate, the role of volunteers, limited English speaking employees, small businesses, very big businesses, the role of unions, computers, setting realistic expectations, and whether a business should start with a pilot program. Fourteen illustrative cases are provided throughout the guide. Appendixes include contacts for advice and referral with area(s) of expertise indicated, a list of background reading, and an exemplary model. (YLB)