This report was based on telephone interviews with 86 individuals from 53 workplaces across Canada. The study sample included a diverse range of workplace types and sizes from both large and small communities. Of the eligible workplaces contacted, 93% were able to participate. The interview questions focused on why workplaces started basic skills programs, how the programs were organized, and how the programs affected the workplaces. The study confirmed that basic skills programs are having a dramatically positive impact on workplaces throughout Canada. The main motivator for starting basic skills programs was the need for reading, writing, and verbal communications resulting from training requirements and technological developments. Half the basic skills programs mentioned were coordinated by joint labor-management committees, and 47% were coordinated by the company alone. The following were among the benefits of basic skills programs cited by a majority of respondents: increase participants' confidence levels; influence workers' basic skills in ways that benefit the workplace; improve participants' ability to solve problems and work independently; help workplaces retain employees over time; and improve labor relations. (Appended are a list of participating workplaces and unions and the survey questionnaire.) (MN)