The Language Gap: Managing a Multilingual Workforce

The Language Gap: Managing a Multilingual Workforce

The increasingly multicultural workplace of modern day America has created a multilingual workforce as well. In the past, companies advocated English-only policies, however, with immigration rates on the rise, a multilingual workforce is the result of business necessity.

When Can English-Only Policies Work?

So, can US employers require English-only in the workplace? According to current guidelines, even if an English-only rule is already in place, the employer must ensure that language guidelines are flexible.

If employees interact solely with English-speaking customers, supervisors, and co-workers and if this communication is essential to running the business smoothly, then English-only policies may be enforced. Additionally, if the workplace is inherently dangerous, certain emergency and safety measures may require that workers speak English to facilitate communication.

Another scenario that may entail English-only policies is a workforce where employees must work in teams and complete work assignments together. Having a single language can make work more efficient. Additionally, if supervisors speak only English and must monitor the communications of employees, then such English-only policies may be put into place.

What are Employers Doing Today?

Some companies have taken up the challenge of managing a multilingual workforce by providing English language training to foreign-born workers. However, advocates of English-only policies continue to lobby for stronger laws allowing employer to adopt these policies.