Communication In a Diverse Workplace
“Lost in translation” is a term that many people have experienced, even if they have never heard the expression. The term queue is a simple word for “line-up” in the UK, but it is also the word for a Chinese ponytail hairstyle, and “cue” can also be a signal to commence something. All of these meanings for a single-syllable word emphasize how dizzying the globalized world can be for all of us. If your solution to these communication complexities is to stick to a uni-cultural workplace of employees from similar backgrounds, well good luck to you- your end is near.
Regardless of how “nice” it seems to have a diverse workplace, it also makes perfect business sense; it is an avenue one must take to ensure that the best workers for each position are being recruited. Here are seven ways to ensure that all employees are receiving the same message:
- Learn how a culture best receives information (from who, and what mode).
- Train international employees very early and very often.
- Train non-foreign born employees just as much and encourage them to become cultural mentors.
- Provide support and mentors to the spouses of international employees.
- Practice open-door communication, but be sure to approach employees too.
- Avoid jargon and slang in publications.
- Use the company’s goals and mission statement as a platform for common communication.
If you find your workplace continuing to face challenges in this area, it may be worth addressing the topic during professional development days or during a Lunch n’ Learn.
For further details on these communication tips, follow this link.
Tags: Diversity, HR Strategy, Lunch n' Learn, Multigenerational Workplace, Workplace Diversity
