Language Barriers Affecting Business

by Five Star Painting

Have you experienced a language barrier within the workplace? In most businesses, language barriers can have a dire affect; however for others it can benefit their business. Affecting businesses usually begins with the cultural differences, which pose additional problems, and misunderstandings in the workplace. It can benefit businesses by increasing recruitment, hiring, and advancement for immigrant workers.

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, immigrants currently make up about 15 percent of the U.S. labor force. More than half are from Latin America and a quarter are from Asia. Only about 40 percent speak English when they arrive in the United States. The western states will likely see the largest increases, followed by south and southeastern states. Immigrants are projected to account for half the growth in the nation's working-age population by 2015 (Inc.com).

When a person speaks little English, they can get intimidated and frustrated trying to communicate with an English-speaking supervisor or coworker and vice versa. Workers may act like they know what is being said, but in fact, may not know. In some jobs, this can be dangerous. For example, when ordering food at an American restaurant and the server cannot understand English, you might not be getting what you asked for. All language barriers may not have such appalling consequences, but they could contribute to a lack of productivity and mistakes being made, all of which could be avoided if communication were clearer.

Here are a few pointers from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Workforce regarding language barriers in the workforce:

• Never assume your communications with someone with limited English-speaking abilities has been understood. Ask for feedback or for demonstration, particularly when you are training them.

• Be patient. A thoughtful supervisor or co-worker can make all the difference in helping prevent feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment when a person cannot express him or herself clearly or fully.

• When working with immigrants, refrain from using slang that might not translate well. Choose words that convey the most specific meaning and stick to one topic at a time.

Many immigrant workers have little or no problems absorbing into the American workplace. They are able to speak English well and can understand the business and social culture. However, others can find it more challenging. With the melting pot of workers coming into the new reality of the American workplace, it is important for employers to understand the many cultural differences of immigrant workers so they can help them incorporate faster. This understanding and sensitivity will help employers increase recruitment, hiring, and advancement of immigrant workers. Ultimately, it will help businesses remain competitive by maintaining a stable and profitable workplace.

- Five Star Painting

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