Managing a foreign-speaking staff can be pretty challenging, yet this scenario is commonplace in modern times. One of the first concerns involves fostering clear channels of communication. This is why a growing number of businesses are now encouraging their employees to take online intermediate English courses. Of course, there is no doubt that speaking fluent English can benefit foreign workers and in turn, the company as a whole. The only possible issue is that such steps might no longer be sufficient.
It is just as important that all staff members feel like a part of a team. Developing this level of solidarity will help increase motivation levels while reducing turnover rates. Let us examine for strategies that can help breed this sense of solidarity and the advantages associated with each.
1. Team-building exercises
Team-building exercises are associated with a number of bespoke benefits. Not only can they boost productivity, but experts highlight additional windfalls such as improved workplace morale, tighter bonds between employees, and a greater sense of cohesion on a group level. Let’s also remember that these activities can be a great deal of fun, a feature not to be taken likely within today’s frenetic business community.
2. Encourage friendships outside of the office
The modern corporate landscape can often appear somewhat dull and grey regarding interpersonal relationships. However, this is not necessarily the case. There is nothing wrong with employees from different cultures developing friendships outside of the traditional office environment. In the case of foreign-speaking workers, such activities can even help to improve their English over time. Developing long-lasting friendships is likewise another way to foster an efficient workplace.
3. Host cultural exchange days
There is no doubt that foreign employees are curious to learn more about their co-workers, and the same holds when referring to an English workforce. Companies should therefore make it a point to host cultural exchange days. These informal gatherings can be used as a form of intra-office integration. Such a laid-back atmosphere will often help ablate any boundaries that might otherwise exist between mid-level employees and senior management. After all, everyone is a part of the same team.
4. Reward workers for a job well done
Recognizing the achievements of individual employees is another powerful tool that should be utilized whenever relevant. Singling out a worker for a specific achievement (such as meeting a sales target margin) will demonstrate that the firm appreciates its efforts. Furthermore, others will be encouraged to rise to the occasion. This level of friendly competition is a potent motivator, and above all, employees will always strive to do better.
These are four ways to ensure that a foreign-speaking workforce feels comfortable within a modern office environment. While language barriers may still exist, the small steps outlined above can certainly offer profound results. Workers who feel as if they are part of a team will naturally perform better, and as a result, the entire firm will benefit.
