Harnessing Diversity and Inclusion: The Power of Translating Corporate Content from English to Spanish
Author: Juan Arroyave - Follow our page here - Skytop Digital Services
Diversity and inclusion should be prioritized in today’s globalized business environment. Acknowledging and unlocking the power of diversity means that companies can provide equal opportunities for all their employees, regardless of their background or language. In this blog post, we will explore how translating corporate content from English to Spanish can benefit an organization, its people, and its company culture.
The Hispanic Market: A Significant Demographic
The Hispanic and Latino community in the United States is a crucial demographic with significant purchasing power, demographic growth, and economic impact. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an estimated 29% increase in Hispanic participation in the labor force by 2022, and this number will only increase. Also, US Hispanic households currently hold $1.4 trillion in purchasing power, making them a valuable market. Therefore, it is essential for companies to cater to this growing demographic.
Empowering Native Spanish Speakers
Providing corporate content in Spanish can empower native Spanish speakers to become more engaged and connected to their workplace. Having all policies, procedures, and training materials in their language supports inclusivity, which can help establish a stronger relationship between employees and employers. By translating corporate content to Spanish, companies can facilitate effective communication and collaboration within diverse teams and empower Spanish-speaking employees to grow and develop professionally.
When I started my career, I worked for a company (which I prefer not to disclose) with a presence in more than 50 countries, including Colombia (Where I am originally from). Their main software and policy documents were all in English. Colombia and most LATAM countries’ team members were the least compliant globally. The main reason was due to language barriers. The team needed to understand the software job aids and how they were measured. They didn’t. One of my responsibilities was to create job aids in Spanish for the team to understand the software and increase compliance.
Enhancing Communication and Collaboration
If employees in the same organization have different primary languages, miscommunication can occur frequently. It can create a divide between teams, hinder problem-solving efforts, and cause unnecessary tension among team members. However, translating corporate content to Spanish can open communication lines, foster teamwork, increase compliance, and increase productivity.
Advancing communication and collaboration in a multilingual workspace can be likened to the role of a talent scout in a multinational Human Resources department. Each team member is like an artist with a unique set of skills, and the talent scout’s job is to harmonize these different skills for a successful performance.
Inclusive digital tools are comparable to the talent scout’s ability to identify and nurture diverse talents. Just like the talent scout ensures each artist can contribute effectively, these tools bridge language gaps, allowing everyone to communicate seamlessly.
Translation services are akin to the talent scout’s role in communicating the vision of the performance. They ensure that all ‘artists’ understand their roles and know how they fit into the broader picture, irrespective of their native language.
Fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas is similar to a talent scout creating a supportive atmosphere for artists to express their creativity. This openness encourages diversity of thought and enhances collaboration.
Online platforms serve as the virtual stage, providing a shared space for everyone to come together and collaborate, regardless of location.
Lastly, clear communication of expectations is like the script or score for the performance. It outlines the goals and each individual’s role, facilitating better teamwork and collaboration.
So, boosting communication and collaboration in a multilingual workplace is akin to managing a diverse group of artists. It requires inclusive tools, clear translations, a supportive atmosphere, a common platform, and well-communicated expectations. Together, these elements create a harmonious performance of productivity and teamwork.
Supporting Employee Development & Retention
By providing training and development materials in their native language, companies can help Spanish-speaking employees grow in their careers. Professionals highly value growth opportunities and coaching, so providing access to these opportunities in their native language can help them improve their job skills and achieve career progression. It can also increase retention rates, as employees are more likely to feel supported by their employers.
Even though someone is fully bilingual, English-Spanish doesn’t mean he/she/they understand all areas’ vocabulary. It’s impossible to know it all, even in your primary language. I remember several times I went to the doctor; I needed to learn about the doctor’s terminology. Sometimes, I only understood some words because the word was pronounced similarly in Spanish. Sometimes, I even had to google the words in both languages because I didn’t even know the meaning in Spanish. So, the best tool to guarantee the receptor gets the delivered message is using the receptor’s primary language, English.
Fostering Inclusive Company Culture
Using inclusive language in all corporate content is vital in promoting a culture that values diversity and inclusion, making all employees feel valued. Properly translating corporate content helps Spanish-speaking employees feel more included and engaged, demonstrating that the company recognizes and values their unique experiences and contributions. This approach can boost employee morale, engagement, and foster retention, and let’s not forget compliance!
In conclusion, the power of harnessing diversity and inclusion through the translations of corporate content from English to Spanish cannot be overstated. It’s an investment that goes beyond mere words – it’s about valuing individuals, their unique experiences, and perspectives.
By recognizing the growing significance of the Hispanic and Latino demographic, companies can tap into a thriving market with substantial purchasing power. Providing content in Spanish empowers native speakers, fostering a sense of engagement and connection within the workplace.
Additionally, offering growth opportunities and training in native languages promotes professional development and boosts retention rates. It’s about ensuring everyone feels they’ve been heard, understood, and valued in their language.
Lastly, adopting inclusive language in all corporate content fosters an inclusive company culture that values diversity, boosts morale, and drives engagement. It’s like painting a picture, where every color is equally important and contributes to the overall beauty of the piece.
So, let’s embrace the power of diversity and inclusion by translating corporate content into Spanish. It’s more than just a business strategy; it’s a commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Because, at the end of the day, our businesses are as diverse and inclusive as we make them.
See our blog on our page here. We have many articles that will help you with topics related to Digital Marketing, HR, and Busines Management.