The world has become significantly more multicultural thanks to global communication and trade. While this opens most of us up to new encounters, new food, and new friends, it can be difficult to navigate language and communication barriers.
As many companies are increasingly multinational, it's become more common to work with colleagues from another country. Sometimes, this can lead to embarrassing cultural faux pas.
Working with people from other countries can also present a challenge when it comes to communication. While there may be an "official language" of the workplace, miscommunications still happen from time to time.
These miscommunications are more common when a significant number of employees aren't working in their native language. For example, if your company operates in English but is contracting with a Chinese company.
While these instances might be frustrating, there are many strategies you can use to keep things running as smoothly as possible.
Here are nine tips to help you cut down on language barriers in the workplace.
Language training won't eliminate all the problems of multi-language work environments, but it can reduce them significantly.
If, for example, your company has a large presence in France, have your workers complete introductory French-language training. Although they may not become fluent, they'll have a better understanding of where the French staff is coming from.
Cultural differences can lead to problems in the workplace. Even little things you may not think of can create major issues between people if they aren't addressed.
Educate your employees on the cultural differences they may encounter. These differences may include everything from the way people sit in their chairs to the way they speak to one another.
Miscommunication around cultural norms can lead to conflict if individuals mistakenly believe someone is being intentionally rude. Often, that isn't the case, and the friction comes down to a cultural misunderstanding.
Nipping these issues in the bud can help in the long run and create a smoother work environment.
Simple language can preemptively eliminate a lot of the issues caused by language barriers. If your employees are communicating with people whose primary language isn't English, they need to keep that in mind when creating emails and presentations. Encourage them to be direct, to the point, and to leave out superfluous words.
Ditching idioms can also help, as these are often a source of confusion.
While many people may be competent in the second language they're working in, hiring a professional translator or interpreter can help clear up mistakes and miscommunication. Professional language experts are especially valuable when you're working on complicated or high-stakes content. Translators can help where words or attempts at understanding one another fail.
Employ a translator to handle the most important documents in the office: company policies, benefits details, safety protocols, or new rules you're enforcing. That way, there's no ambiguity.
Often, companies rely on internal employees who took language courses in school or who speak a second language outside of work. While convenient, this approach often leads to noticeable mistakes that a professional translator with expertise in corporate communications would avoid.
For more on why relying on untrained bilingual staff creates risk, read our blog on why "free" employee translation costs more than you think.
Words often fail us, and visuals can make a real difference when it comes to understanding concepts. Use infographics, photos, and diagrams to help people grasp what you're trying to convey. Encourage your employees to do the same in presentations and emails so that everything is as clear as possible.
Language barriers can be frustrating. Sometimes, they can even lead to conflicts between the parties involved. While some friction is inevitable in a multilingual environment, remind your employees to be as respectful as possible.
Put an end immediately to any mocking or jokes about someone's ability to speak another language. These comments can fracture relationships in the workplace and make the person embarrassed to continue improving their skills. Your environment should be as supportive as possible.
Repetition is the key to memory. Even people who hear something once in their native language may not always remember what you've said. It can be even harder for a message to "stick" when you're speaking to people in another language. Even if employees find it annoying for you to repeat yourself, in some cases, repetition is necessary to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Language is an intrinsic part of a culture, and a multilingual environment is a great jumping-off point. Encourage employees to learn phrases and idioms in the other language as well as explore differences in food and traditions. You may also facilitate conversations about different topics, such as how cultures handle specific situations or holidays.
Cultural exchange gives your employees the chance to grow not only in their careers, but also personally. Getting to know people from other countries and cultures is a wonderful way to learn more about the world. Your employees might even find it fun.
The gestures that American speakers consider rude may be wildly different from gestures that people in other countries find inappropriate. For example, gestures that are commonplace in the United States might be considered rude in Japan, and vice versa.
Educate your employees on these differences. Many of us don't think before making hand gestures, but unintentional ones can cause serious hurt feelings and anger.
If everyone understands what is and isn't appropriate, there will likely be more laughter than assumptions that the other person was trying to be rude.
Overcoming language barriers in the workplace isn't something that happens overnight. It's a process of adapting, learning, and finding the right strategies to ensure everyone is on the same page.
There may be frustrations along the way, but the rewards of fostering a multilingual environment far outweigh the challenges. When employees from diverse backgrounds feel understood and included, collaboration improves, communication breakdowns decrease, and your workplace becomes more productive.
Start with the steps that address your biggest pain points, and build from there. If your organization needs help with professional translation, interpretation, or AI-powered language tools, explore our language solutions to find the right fit.