Monday, September 8, 2008 11:25 AM
Insight on Manual Translations.
In an increasingly globalized world, workplaces are finding it more necessary than ever to offer written materials and documentation in multiple languages. Workplace manuals are no exception, and the savvy manager now realizes that supporting multiple language speakers can guarantee a more responsive workforce since employees will have the option to read rules and regulations in the language they feel most comfortable with and understand best.
Across North America, English is the most frequently spoken first language, but in the United States and Canada there are other languages that are increasingly necessary to provide materials in to accommodate the changing workforce. In the United States, many workers speak Spanish and are most comfortable working in that language. In Canada, providing support in French is legally mandated under the government's official bilingualism. In both countries, large numbers of immigrant workers speak Asian languages such as Chinese, Japanese, or Korean.
As a result of the modern workforce's linguistic diversity, providing workplace manuals in the languages employees speak best is an important strategy for helping to ensure that employees read, understand, and implement the policies, procedures, and regulations conveyed in those manuals. In other words, if a manager wants to ensure that the employees read the manual, the manager needs to give it to them in a language they can read and understand.
In addition to the practical considerations of comprehension, offering manuals in more than one language can buy a company goodwill and show potential employees, investors, and customers that the company has a global perspective, cares for their employees' well-being, and celebrates diversity. These intangibles will go far toward generating the impression that a company is one that international or immigrant customers and investors want to deal with.
BACK TO BLOG LIST
