If you’ve hired someone who doesn’t speak English well, you’ve probably thought about translation. You may have hired a bilingual supervisor to support that employee. Or maybe you’ve relied on another employee who was bilingual. You may have utilized Google Translate or another form of translation. Either way, translation is probably where your mind went to solve the language barrier challenge.
However, there are limitations to translation. While many companies view translation as their only option for dealing with language barriers, it’s actually not the only option. In fact, it’s not the best option in most situations, and it’s a short-term solution to the challenge.
Relying heavily on translation in the workplace can lead to several limitations:
Because translation is sometimes seen as the only option, companies often consider training their supervisors to speak a second language so they can communicate with employees who don’t speak English. Teaching supervisors a second language or hiring bilingual leadership can be helpful, but employers should be aware that these options provide limited support to employees learning English as a second language.
Is it a bad idea to teach another language to supervisors or utilize translation? Absolutely not! Utilizing translation or bilingual supervisors or employees is sometimes the quickest, fastest way to understand what someone is saying; however, it’s important to understand that there are limitations. For example, you can translate all of your safety training, but if an employee doesn’t know the words in English, they may not understand if someone yells out a warning to them in English.
So what is the right approach?
At Workplace Talent Solutions, we understand that utilizing one language in the workplace is not only beneficial but essential to maintain clear, consistent communication, sustain positive company culture and employee relationships, and continue the growth of the company and the growth of employees.
It’s crucial for a company to use one language in the workplace as much as possible. Encouraging everyone to use one language at work promotes clarity and unity.
It is crucial that in your company, each employee is working towards communicating effectively in English. This doesn’t mean employees can never speak in their native language. However, it does mean that you should be encouraging them and providing them with opportunities to use English and build their English skills.
Helping employees learn English is often one of the most effective and efficient ways of dealing with the language barrier, and it’s also a long-term solution to the problem. Employees learning English often learn the language quickly because they have many opportunities to practice - within the workplace and outside of it. Employees may also know some English from school or other experiences. Additionally, employees are highly motivated to learn English because it will benefit their lives not only at work but also with their families and their communities.
This approach requires training for all employees. Offering English classes for employees helps them improve their skills, and equipping supervisors with tools to encourage English use helps create a supportive workplace.
Investing in English language classes for employees and teaching supervisors how to promote English usage is the best way to overcome language barriers in the workplace.
At Workplace Talent Solutions, we believe that the investment in building English language skills pays for itself. We offer
Workplace ESL classes for employees. We also offer a
Bridging Language Barriers training for supervisors and leaders that teaches them the strategies needed to successfully communicate in English with someone who doesn’t speak English. This training shows leaders how to use opportunities they have every day to help employees build their language skills.
Building language skills instead of relying on translation takes time and effort, but it's essential for clear communication and an environment where all feel appreciated and valued.
Connect with us today to learn more about the training we offer. Reach out to us at
contact@workplacetealentsolutions.com or 484.228.1945.
Workplace Talent Solutions helps companies stabilize their workforce and impact their communities by successfully hiring and employing immigrants, refugees, and those who don’t speak English well. They provide businesses with high-quality Workplace English classes. They provide Cultural Diversity training for leaders and supervisors. They will customize their material to fit the needs of employers. They offer HR Consulting services for companies and organizations that hire individuals who don't speak English well. They will evaluate hiring, onboarding, and training practices and make recommendations on ways to better accommodate employees who don't speak English.
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