How to effectively train a multilingual workforce

Embracing language diversity in the workplace

In an increasingly diverse workforce, effective safety training must adapt to meet the needs of multilingual learners. In 2023, the United States had 31 million foreign-born workers, representing 19% of the entire workforce. About half of immigrants to the U.S. have limited proficiency in English. This emphasizes the importance of mitigating language gaps in safety training to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities.

By embracing diverse employees and languages, employers can foster a safe and compliant work environment. This article explores strategies to effectively train safety procedures to multilingual learners, and tips for communicating across language barriers.

Training a multilingual audience

Language barriers in the workplace are increasingly common as more people speak languages other than English at home. In 2023, approximately 22% of the U.S. population spoke a language other than English at home (Census.gov). This growing diversity means that trainers must find effective ways to bridge language gaps and make training accessible. As more workers learn English as a second language, employers must ensure that all employees understand the training provided.

When creating a presentation, you should ensure that all members of the audience can understand the information. Understanding the information becomes especially important in workplaces that involve safety training. Regulatory agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Department of Labor (DOL) recognize the need for clear and accessible communication in training programs.

These agencies emphasize that workers must be able to understand safety instructions and procedures in a language they comprehend. Ensuring clarity fulfills legal requirements and protects employees by equipping them to work safely and respond appropriately to hazards.

As the need for multilingual training grows, many programs have created resources to address this issue.

• Check with OSHA and other federal and state government agencies. There may be government-funded programs or other forms of assistance in your area that focus on English-as-a-second-language (ESL).
• Identify ESL programs in your local area. These are commonly available through community colleges and adult education programs. Then find ways to encourage ESL employees to take the courses they need to improve their English.
• Find bilingual co-workers who can help communicate safety messages and inform you if it isn’t getting through.

During your employee training sessions, the course material and quiz content must match exactly what employees learn in English. This guarantees consistent knowledge among staff.

Tips for better communication with multilingual learners

Communicating with multilingual learners presents unique challenges, but it also creates opportunities to implement training best practices that promote growth and understanding. Multilingual employees are more engaged when training is provided in their native language, as it fosters a greater sense of comfort and confidence. This encourages them to participate actively, ask questions, and engage meaningfully with the material.

Finding effective ways to communicate with all team members fosters an inclusive and safe workplace. It also improves your training and development programs.

Acknowledge that the language barrier exists

By recognizing that different language backgrounds bring diverse perspectives, the trainer can encourage participants to share their unique insights and experiences, fostering a richer learning environment. This acknowledgment also sets the tone for open communication, where participants feel comfortable expressing their needs and asking questions, thereby promoting inclusivity.

Speak slowly and clearly

This makes it much easier for people who know basic English but are not truly fluent. Pronouncing words distinctly and pausing between key points gives listeners more time to process the information. It’s best to avoid the use of idioms, jargon, or jokes, which can be incomprehensible or confusing.

Learn key words and phrases in other languages

This shows a willingness to connect and can help bridge language barriers. Understanding common terms related to safety and daily tasks goes a long way in building rapport. You don’t need to be bilingual to improve communication, but a trainer’s genuine effort to connect can help break barriers.

Use visual aids & appropriate body language

Do not assume that multilingual learners fully understand what you’re saying. Utilize visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, and other props to enhance employee engagement. Customize training courses by using video or photos of workers doing their jobs. This is a popular technique during the learning process because it gives employees a personal view of safety.

If you don’t speak the worker’s first language, use body language to communicate and show you care. Say hello or good morning, use the individual’s name, and make eye contact.

Understand other customs and cultures

Making an effort to learn about and understand their customs and culture goes a long way. For example, if Latino workers are told to be on the job at 8:00 a.m., they may arrive 5 or 10 minutes late, as is common in their home countries. Understanding these differences will help you interpret workers’ behavior and suggest how to effect changes.

Being culturally aware also fosters mutual respect and enhances the overall training experience.

Engage directly with workers

Engage directly with workers by embracing the “MBWA” approach or managing by walking around. When you spend time on the floor regularly, you can engage with employees about potential hazards and safety solutions. This hands-on approach allows you to spot safety issues in real-time and identify challenges workers face.

Final takeaways

Tailoring your training content to ensure that all employees understand is essential for compliance and safety. By embracing language diversity and investing in multilingual training, employing best practices for communication, and understanding cultural differences, organizations can ensure that all employees fully comprehend safety protocols. The effort to make training accessible to everyone helps prevent accidents and fosters a culture of collaboration.

Ultimately, investing in comprehensive multilingual training is not just a compliance measure; it is a strategic advantage that contributes to overall organizational success and resilience in an increasingly globalized marketplace.

BLR’s TrainingToday® offers ready-to-use solutions to assist with training Spanish-speaking employees. With continuous updates and improvements, they can help ensure a safe and compliant workplace. As the workforce continues to grow more diverse, investing in tailored safety training programs that close skill gaps will be crucial for meeting legal requirements, enhancing engagement, and achieving better safety outcomes for all.