Establishing a Successful Language Program at a Company

When you have set an appointment with a company to discuss online or onsite language training, these are some of the types of questions which you may expect. They make for good discussion points and can be the basis for planning. Developing clear answers to these questions ahead of time will help you further define your program and present yourself as a credible education and training vendor.

1) How much will a workplace Spanish or ESL program cost?

2) How long does the training take?

3) What can the company expect as outcomes?

4) What specific results will you guarantee?

5) What involvement will be required from the company?

6) What is the return on investment for the company?

7) Will on-site workplace Spanish or ESL help worker retention?

8) Is there curriculum already developed?


WHAT A COMPANY CAN EXPECT FROM YOU AS AN EDUCATION CONSULTANT

1) Help in formulating realistic measurement of program results. Results might include test score improvement, willingness of students to be cross-trained, better attendance on the job, speaking up at meetings, reduction in time spent answering questions, reduction in turnover.

2) Suggestions for how the company can reinforce what is being taught in class.

3) An invitation to visit the classroom. For the program to be successful, the company must be involved.

4) Regular information throughout the life of the program about progress and issues

Learn more at http://www.workplacelanguages.com/online_onsite.html

"Grammar-less" vs. Comprehensive Language Learning for Managers

Time is Money

I often get questions from clients about the advantages of “grammar-less” language learning. The simple answer is time. Many busy professionals don’t have time or patience to learn all of the nuances of another language. The traditional approach to language learning can take years. I have taught Spanish & ESL at a number of colleges and I know what doesn’t work: bogging students down with so much grammar that they are reluctant to speak.
When it comes to workplace communication, many companies want their employees to learn industry specific words and phrases without spending time learning material they may never use. That’s why we developed our programs addressing the needs of specific industries by teaching managers the language and cultures of their workers. The formula is the more effective you communicate with your employees the more effective they’ll become in their jobs.
Whether it’s taking online language lessons or using bilingual training products to facilitate learning, I found that teaching managers basic phrases in Spanish or other languages that were specific to their needs not only helps get jobs done but resulted in workers who felt more respected and motivated. Bottom line: companies retain better employees. This can be achieved in a fraction of the time of traditional language learning programs. After all, time is money……..

Ed Rosheim, President

Workplace Languages

Click here for Online Learning Link: http://workplacelanguages.com/online_onsite.html

Communication tips for Managers of non or limited English Speaking Employees

I often get questions from clients about how to effectively engage Spanish speaking employees. Sometimes those with limited English proficiency get left behind in fully understanding workplace directives, safety instructions or training methods.

We’ve come up with a few helpful suggestions for managers who work with those with Spanish speaking employees.

• State job instructions clearly and be careful about being too impatient with language barriers.


• Give employees with Limited English Proficiency time to respond.
  Show employees what you need. “A picture is worth a thousand words.”


• Don’t be shy about praising a job well done. Praise good work publicly and if there are any issues with an employee’s work – you need to talk to individual privately. “Saving face” is big in every culture.


• Encourage employees to take a greater role in decisions and management tasks and providing them the necessary tools to communicate more effectively with fellow employees and customers.

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