India, with its rich tapestry of over 1,600 languages, presents a unique challenge and opportunity to foster linguistic diversity to build inclusive workplaces. Embracing DEI in India is not just about respecting cultural heritage, gender variations, and PWDs but also a strategic advantage for businesses operating in a globalized world.
In the globalized sense, diversity and inclusion in India could be considered along the same lines. However, India does not have general systemic problems related to race. However caste, language barriers, physical and mental disabilities, and gender are major contributors to the general bias that exists in the country, and by extension, the workplace.
Amongst all the factors that beg the need for diversity and inclusion in India, linguistic diversity is often overlooked and emphasis is usually aimed at more generic and globalised stereotypes. However, language is a general barrier for most individuals since most humans first think in their mother tongue, and then mentally convert that thought into the language of conversation, which can be any other language that is not their primary language. Therefore to break the barriers erected by this linguistic diversity, it is essential to instill practices and policies that will enable better communication between individuals at the workplace.
This rich tapestry of languages is a valuable asset for organizations looking to tap into the vast potential of the Indian workforce. However, embracing language diversity requires strategies that create inclusive workplaces where every employee feels valued and heard. To aim the spotlight on this form of DEI in Indian workplaces, organizations need to employ certain strategies. These strategies have been covered below.
Celebrate Language Diversity
Recognize and celebrate the linguistic diversity of your workforce. Encourage employees to share their native languages and cultural traditions through events, workshops, and team-building activities. This fosters a sense of pride and belonging among employees and creates an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
Provide Language Training
Offer language training opportunities for employees to learn the company’s primary language of communication, whether it’s English or another language. This helps break down language barriers and ensures that everyone can participate actively in meetings, discussions, and collaborations.
Offering language support is crucial for bridging communication gaps and ensuring that all employees can participate fully in the workplace. This can include:
- Language Training: Provide opportunities for employees to learn new languages, particularly those that are commonly spoken within the organization or among its customer base.
- Translation and Interpretation Services: Ensure that important documents, manuals, and customer service interactions are available in multiple languages to facilitate communication.
- Multilingual Resources: Make sure that digital platforms, software, and other tools are accessible in various languages to support diverse linguistic needs
Use Multilingual Communication Tools
Invest in multilingual communication tools such as translation services and real-time translation software. This enables employees to communicate effectively in their preferred languages and ensures that important information is accessible to all. Encourage the use of clear, jargon-free language to facilitate better understanding across linguistic divides.
Translate Key Documents
Translate key company documents, policies, and communications into the most commonly spoken languages in your organization. This demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and ensures that everyone has access to the information they need to succeed.
Encourage Multilingual Teams
Foster collaboration among multilingual teams by encouraging employees to share their unique linguistic and cultural perspectives. This can lead to innovative solutions and a better understanding of diverse customer needs.
Multilingualism is a valuable asset in a diverse workplace. Encourage employees to use their home languages and provide opportunities for language exchange:
- Language-Rich Environment: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable using their home languages. This can include displaying multilingual signage, offering multilingual support materials, and encouraging multilingual conversations.
- Translanguaging: Allow employees to move fluidly between languages, which can enhance their ability to learn, understand, and make connections
Provide Inclusive Meetings
Inclusive meetings can be a great catalyst for employees to share their thoughts and ideas in their preferred languages. Your organization can provide translation services or assign language champions to ensure everybody’s opinions are heard and understood by everyone.
Linguistic discrimination can hinder the creation of an inclusive workplace. Implement policies and norms that protect and value linguistic diversity:
- Language Policy: Adopt a language policy that recognizes and supports the use of different languages within the organization.
- Diversity and Inclusion Programs: Implement programs that monitor and evaluate linguistic diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees feel valued and respected.
Recognize and Reward Linguistic Diversity
Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate linguistic diversity and contribute to an inclusive workplace. This sends a strong message that linguistic diversity is valued and celebrated in your organization.
Collaborate and Learn from Others
Collaborate with other organizations and DEI experts to share best practices and learn from their experiences. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and participate in regional collaborations to stay informed and inspired:
- Industry Events: Attend conferences and workshops focused on linguistic diversity and inclusion in India to learn from other organizations.
- Professional Associations: Join associations that specialize in DEI and linguistic diversity to access resources and best practices.
By implementing these strategies, organizations in India can create inclusive workplaces that harness the power of linguistic diversity to drive innovation, collaboration, and success. Remember, embracing linguistic diversity is not just about accommodating different languages; it’s about fostering a culture of mutual respect, understanding, and growth.
The India Diversity Job Fair is a platform for talent from diverse diasporas to connect with organisations that value DEI in Indian workplaces. You can now be a part of an inclusive environment when you register for IDJF 2024.