2023/09/25
We know the advantages of learning a new language, particularly for professional reasons. It can increase prospects for collaboration, aid in gaining the confidence of new customers, and broaden global networks.
However, we must examine how important languages are for workplace safety and internal communication. Languages also play a crucial impact in how a firm is structured and, more crucially, in how safe and healthy its general atmosphere is. This includes understanding daily job obligations and knowing emergency protocols.
How cultural and linguistic obstacles affect your business
Even studies show that it can be challenging for employees to comprehend safety if they need help understanding the terminology. According to the Institute for Work and Health[1], a research group based in Toronto, new immigrant men report a high proportion of work-related injuries that require medical attention. This is justified for various reasons, but one of the most significant barriers is the inability to comprehend English completely.
Limited English proficiency or a reluctance to speak to other employees, for example, can make it difficult for an employee to completely understand safety procedures, which makes them more likely to make mistakes or cause significant accidents.
And make no mistake—even if your staff members have excellent verbal abilities, they might not be familiar with specific terms like chemical risks or emergency protocols.
Therefore, it is critical to consider how linguistic differences affect your business operations and how to ensure that everyone, regardless of nationality, works in a secure, healthy, and productive atmosphere.
Language instruction is essential for enhancing workplace safety
Companies can use various strategies to increase worker safety.
Every business is expected to train employees to be safe in the workplace, regardless of the industry. However, many must remember that language difficulties should be addressed initially, as they frequently cause miscommunications and workplace accidents.
Keep in mind that internal communication is the foundation of every company. With it, fostering a safe and healthy environment and creating an engaging and good work culture is easy.
How to determine whether your business needs language training
Investing in a language program should be a top priority whether your firm employs many foreign nationals or if you run a local company with a global clientele. If you have any doubts, try this quick way to determine whether your business needs language training:
- Verify the cultural and racial backgrounds of your staff. Try to comprehend how many various nationalities are present at work and how well they get along with one another. You might even create a poll to address their worries about safety and communication inside the business.
- Go through your safety education. Based on your staff's literacy, cultural, and linguistic abilities, decide if the contents are simple. Again, you might conduct a poll to identify their particular difficulties.
Consider investing in a language training program if the interactions are tense and your staff needs help comprehending and adhering to the established safety guidelines.
Using Language Advantage to your advantage
At Language Advantage, we know the positive impact of language learning on workplace security. But we also recognize that every business is different, and every team needs a program tailored to their particular requirements. Because of this, our teachers put a lot of effort into comprehending the objectives of each school and creating specialized programs.
No matter your sector, size of business, or position, Language Advantage has the know-how to improve internal communications. You will notice increased output, improved health and safety procedures, and, most importantly, a happier and more positive work environment.
Safety at work is of the utmost importance. Most businesses dealing with workplace dangers invest a lot of money towards lowering accidents and incidents, but they frequently overlook how important language is to the process.