The Department for Education has announced a National Year of Reading, launching in January 2026, in a bid to reverse the steady decline in reading for pleasure among young people.

According to a survey carried out by the National Literacy Trust, just 1 in 3 of children and young people aged 8 to 18 said they enjoyed reading in their free time in 2025. Less than 1 in 5 said they used their free time to read daily. This is the lowest these statistics have been in 20 years.

The National Year of Reading campaign aims to reignite a reading culture by involving parents, schools, libraries, and businesses. While the initiative is focused on children and families, there could be wider benefits.

Reading regularly for pleasure has been shown to reduce stress and can improve decision-making. Considering the multiple responsibilities you juggle, reading may not only lessen your stress levels but also freshen your approach when it comes to work.

Books can also give you new ideas – whether it’s a biography that reshapes how you think about leadership, or a business title that gives you some new marketing strategies.

Reading for pleasure is also linked with stronger writing skills. Being a more confident and a clearer communicator, whether in an email or a client pitch, could benefit you in your interactions with customers and suppliers. A culture of reading within your team could similarly have a positive effect on how your staff engage with customers and each other.

There are community-level benefits too. A more literate population supports a stronger workforce. Supporting reading initiatives – by partnering with schools, donating books, or perhaps encouraging employees to read with their children – could play a part in helping to build the foundations of a more skilled and confident workforce in the long term.

The National Year of Reading presents a timely reminder: reading is not just for classrooms and libraries. It can be a practical and powerful tool in your personal growth and in developing your business.

See: https://literacytrust.org.uk/news/parents-urged-to-read-more-to-boost-childrens-life-chances/