5 Tools to Bridge the Language Gap with Non-English-Speaking Employees

Step onto any job site today and you'll hear a blend of languages among employees working together. This is a familiar scene that reflects the evolving American workforce. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a surge of 7.4 million Hispanics in the labor force, predominantly in sectors like construction, transportation, warehousing and landscaping. So as an employer in these industries, how can you bridge the language gap and ensure everyone's on the same page?

Whether it's about recruiting multilingual employees or integrating them seamlessly into your team, understanding and addressing workplace language barriers is crucial for the success of your company. In this article, we'll explore five tools that can help you overcome language barriers in the workplace and build a strong, diverse team.

1:1 Message Translation in Team Engine

As a software designed specifically for recruiting, hiring, and onboarding in industries with frontline workers, Team Engine understands the challenges of hiring a multilingual workforce. In response, we released a feature that allows for 1:1 message translation right within the platform.

This means that you can easily communicate with non-English-speaking employees and candidates without having to juggle between different translation language tools or multilingual staff.

Here's what makes this feature stand out:

• Instant Translation: With just one click, text messages can be translated from English to Spanish or vice versa. This means you can quickly respond to inquiries, confirm schedules, and provide updates without any delay.
• Ease for Bilingual Staff: No longer will bilingual employees need to act as the go-between. Everyone can communicate their needs directly, lightening the load and making your workflows more efficient.
• Clearer Conversations: Say goodbye to misunderstandings. This feature ensures messages are accurately conveyed, keeping everyone on the same page.
• Cost-Effective Solution: The feature is built into the Team Engine platform at no additional cost, making it a cost-effective solution for your company.

One of the best parts about the 1:1 message translation feature is that it can overcome workplace language barriers for any non-English-speaking employee or candidate. The tool offers AI language translation tools for over 90 languages, making it a versatile option as your workforce evolves.

Google Translate

Google Translate has been around since 2006 and remains one of the most popular online language translation tools. With support for over 130 languages, it's a popular option for individuals and businesses alike.

The tool offers a variety of services, including translation of text, websites, and even speech. However, you won't have the direct integration of AI tools for language translation like Team Engine's 1:1 message translation, which can be a drawback for efficient communication within your team.

Instead of having a one-click translation feature, you would need to copy and paste the text into Google Translate to get the translation and then copy and paste it back into your texting app.

This makes it less efficient for quick communication and can lead to delays in response time.

Bilingual Employees

Having bilingual employees on your team can be a great asset, especially when it comes to bridging the language gap at work. These employees can act as interpreters and help facilitate communication between English-speaking and non-English-speaking team members.

They can also play a key role in customer-facing roles, helping non-English-speaking clients feel more comfortable and understood. Even a simple greeting in a customer’s preferred language can make a big difference in building rapport and trust.

Of course, there will always be limitations to their availability and capabilities. You can't expect them to be available 24/7, and they may not have the technical vocabulary needed in certain situations.

Not only that but if you have a team with a diverse range of languages, relying on bilingual employees as your only solution probably isn't sustainable. Instead, bilingual employees can be leveraged as part of a broader strategy that includes technology-driven translation tools.

Providing English Courses as a Company Perk

Like many employers, you're likely facing a major hurdle: a substantial shortage of skilled workers. As companies scramble to fill these gaps, there's a growing emphasis on:

1. Recruiting minority groups like Spanish-speaking employees, women, and veterans
2. Providing competitive benefits and perks to attract top talent

One unique way to address both of these needs is by offering English courses or training as a company perk. This can be a great incentive for recruiting non-English-speaking employees, giving you a competitive edge in this tight labor market.

And the value of English training as a company perk isn't just theoretical... There's solid evidence to back it up. Here are a few stats to consider:

• A survey by Rosetta Stone found that 66% of employees from multinational companies said that language training has led to more positive engagement with colleagues and customers, indicating improved team dynamics and customer satisfaction.
• According to the American Society for Training and Development, companies that offer comprehensive training programs have a 218% higher income per employee than companies without formalized training. This indicates that upskilling, including language training, can positively impact company productivity and profitability.

You can even quantify the return on investment of corporate language training to see its impact on your company's bottom line.

For instance, if a language training program costs $10,000 and the calculated benefits result in a $30,000 increase in revenue, the ROI would be 200%. This means that for every dollar invested, the business gains $2 in return.

So by offering English courses or training as an employee benefit or perk, you not only attract and retain top talent but also invest in the growth and success of your business!

ChatGPT

Since ChatGPT's launch in late 2022, users have been raving over all the unique ways it can be used. But have you considered using ChatGPT for language translation?

With its advanced AI tools for language translation, ChatGPT can seamlessly translate messages in real time between English and countless other languages. And it offers more than just literal translations. ChatGPT comprehends the essence of the conversation, providing translations that maintain the original tone and context, which is crucial for effective communication in a multilingual workforce.

One way to maximize ChatGPT’s capabilities is by creating standardized bilingual messaging templates. These can be used for common workplace scenarios—like confirming schedules or giving safety instructions—ensuring consistency and accuracy in communication.

Remember, while ChatGPT is highly advanced, it’s not infallible. ChatGPT has been known to hallucinate, which could cause communication issues instead of solving them.

Visual Communication for Multilingual Workforces

Not all communication relies on words. Implementing visual tools can be a game-changer in bridging language barriers in the workplace.

• Laminated cards with key phrases or safety instructions can help non-English-speaking employees communicate essential needs.
• Before-and-after job site photos can help teams verify task completion without needing verbal explanations.
• Icons and color-coded labels on equipment or task lists can reinforce instructions without relying solely on written or spoken language.

These strategies ensure that language barriers don’t become operational roadblocks and help create a more inclusive, functional work environment.

Mastering Communication with Spanish-Speaking Employees in Your Company

Navigating language barriers in the workplace is a challenge, but with tools like Team Engine's AI-powered translation features, it's easier than ever.

Beyond translation, Team Engine streamlines the entire hiring process—from posting jobs on job boards, to automatically pre-screening and facilitating the candidates journey through your hiring process.

Additionally, combining technology with cultural sensitivity training, bilingual hiring strategies, and visual communication tools can create a truly inclusive workplace where all employees feel heard and supported.

Ready to try Team Engine's AI tools for language translation, and all the other features designed to make your life easier? Take the first step to elevating your recruitment strategy and ensuring clear communication across your team with a demo of Team Engine today.

_{This article was originally published on October 3, 2023 and was last updated on March 5, 2025.}