Plain Language

Complete the Plain Language in the Workplace online workshop, or have a workplace document reviewed for plain language considerations.

See below on this page for details about how to complete this commitment.

⚠️ Instructions To Complete This Commitment:

Commitment: Complete the Plain Language in the Workplace online workshop, or have a workplace document reviewed for plain language considerations.

Option 1: Complete the free Plain Language in the Workplace online workshop

Ensure one or more employees complete the AWES “Plain Language in the Workplace” self-paced, interactive online workshop.
Estimated workshop commitment: 2 hours
AWES made this online workshop to give you tools and tips to help your employees at work by using plain language. AWES is offering this online workshop for 2025 WIC Signatories at no cost.
To receive the instructions to complete this training, please email Leila Samahnejad at leila@awes.ca with the subject line ‘2025 WIC Plain Language Training’
Evidence: Certificate of Completion

Option 2: Hire AWES to review a workplace document

AWES will review a workplace document you choose. They will give you a report with steps you can take to make the document easier to understand.
This is a paid service.
As a non-profit organization with expertise in essential skills and workplace training, AWES is the perfect organization to help your team develop skills and knowledge related to plain language.
Evidence: Written confirmation from AWES that you have completed this commitment.

Submit Evidence When You have Completed This Commitment

Evidence for Option 1: Certificate of Completion.
Evidence for Option 2: Written confirmation from AWES stating that you have completed this commitment.
Once you have completed each of the above requirements, upload your evidence using our online form as soon as possible. This allows time for review and feedback.
Evidence may be in the form of a document, email, newsletter, meeting minutes, social media post, etc.
Deadline to submit all evidence for the 2025 WIC: 3PM, Monday, December 1st, 2025.

Click Here To Submit Your Evidence

⏰ Key Dates:

Important dates to remember:

By December 1st, 2025: Deadline to complete 2025 WIC commitments and submit all evidence.

✅ Why This Commitment Is Important:

According to Statistics Canada, 48% of adults lack the literacy level required for 94% of jobs created (1). Communicating in plain language helps your team members thrive and meet their potential in the workplace and the community, while also ensuring essential information such as health and safety requirements are understood by all.

Plain language writing and document design in the workplace helps all employees understand what they need to know about your organization. Learning how to incorporate plain language strategies for communication and workplace documents is a great way to support your employees toward a more productive, healthy and safe workplace environment.

(1) Source: Skills in Canada: First Results from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). Data for 1994-2016.

Intended Outcomes:

Staff understand important information
Plain language helps everyone understand rules, safety steps, and job duties.
Everyone feels included
Clear writing supports workers who are learning English or have different reading levels.
Work is safer and easier
When information is clear, staff make fewer mistakes and feel more confident at work.