Managing a multicultural workforce
The language and cultural skills that a diverse workforce brings can be a great asset to your business – in terms of dealing with overseas customers and Londoners. Effective communication is essential for a productive workplace. We can also help you overcome communication challenges such as ensuring that people work safely, that teams are integrated and that training is effective.
Want business advice on managing people from other cultures?
Clear communication in a workplace where people understand each other’s culture can help you improve productivity, strengthen teams and avoid wasting time and money.
 Our guide on Managing a multicultural workforce is tailored for businesses with employees speaking different languages and from different cultures.
- Map the language skills and cultural backgrounds of your staff.
- 'Badge' employees who speak other languages to assist and act as 'buddies' to new members of staff.
- Find out if there are local community organisations to help you communicate with your workforce.
- Check candidates’ English language ability and review requirements for ESOL training (English for Speakers of Other Languages).
- Review the need for signage, circulars, posters and compliance documents to be translated, as employees may need to understand complex, technical language goes far beyond the day-to-day requirements of their job.
- Offer additional induction support – via multilingual video or audio resources or interpreters - for those with a low level of English.
- Find out about training programmes that could improve the way you welcome visitors and work with colleagues.
- Develop a glossary of key words translated into the languages you need.
- Consult with managers and supervisors on the need for cultural, communication skills and diversity training.
Working with the World
 RLN London’s Working with the World training module helps managers, team leaders and employees to work more effectively together in a multilingual, multicultural environment.
Find out about Working with the World training and resources on the Talking to the World website.
Train to Gain - funding to train your team
Train to Gain is a free government service that works with you to identify what training your business needs. Advisers will tailor a flexible training package to fit your organisation. Many courses are Government-funded, and funding opportunities for qualifying businesses may include a contribution towards English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) for work. Senior managers in eligible organisations may qualify for a grant of up to £1000 for any development of leadership and management skills.
Find out more from the Train to Gain London website, call 0845 6300 204 or email info@ttgbroker.com.
Get tools and advice
We've collected a range of useful tools, publications and websites which can help you manage your multicultural workforce.
Learn from other businesses
Agroni
Research (PDF 100KB)
The world of research often focuses on Black and Minority Ethnic groups. Agroni
believes that employing people with a matching background – who understand the
culture and speak the language – really improves the quality of their research.
Bovis Lend Lease (64KB PDF) NEW!
English language training delivered on site to workers from Central and Eastern Europe – along with translated Health and Safety information - ensures safety and productivity for building projects across London.
EDF
Energy (236KB, PDF)
With French as the official corporate language of the EDF group, the Learning and Development team have developed a language training programme for their employees.
Geeta's
Foods (64KB, PDF)
Indian speciality food company based in North London, exploring worldwide markets. The multicultural team have learned new language skills for export markets, and adapted and translated their packaging.
Greencore
Sandwiches (68KB, PDF)
A West London company has met the challenge of supporting a workforce with over
25 languages, through clear communications, translation and promote of cultural
awareness.
London Underground (PDF
69KB)
Serving visitors and residents of London in their language is a big challenge
for London Underground. They make the most of native speaker language skills
and encourage staff through language training and use of a phrase book.
Newham Council (PDF, 55KB) NEW!
Targeted use of translation and interpreting services coupled with their service team's language skills ensure that all of Newham's residents can make the most of local services.
New West End Company (65KB PDF)
Red Cap Wardens employed by New West End Company already make good use of their own language skills to help visitors out. Their intercultural skills and confidence with languages are boosted by RLN London's Welcoming the World training programme.
Punjab
National Bank (International) Ltd (PDF 100KB)
Arriving in London in 2007, Punjab National Bank opened its first branch in Southall
and makes a point of speaking to customers in their language – whether Panjabi,
Hindi, Urdu or English.
Read case studies of other businesses who have succeeded through language and cultural knowledge and making good use of specialist services.
Useful links
|
