Avoid jargon and slang in order to communicate clear messages.
Today's workplace is likely to rely on a diverse array of professionals with different backgrounds related to gender, ethnicity, religion, politics, gender orientation and home culture. This multicultural diversity can enrich the workplace, leading to greater creativity and broader perspective when generating solutions and interacting with clients. Communication can be challenging in a multicultural workplace, since not everyone relies on the same cultural cues for sending and receiving messages. Taking steps to build effective multicultural workplace communication can help your business.
Receptivity
Businesses in the U.S. have standard ways of issuing and receiving information. Many professionals are accustomed to receiving information or orders directly from managers. It's also quite common to receive praise from managers before a group of peers. Being singled out for positive recognition is often considered an honor. But these communication norms aren't necessarily cross-cultural. Workers from some countries prefer to receive information, orders or news from a foreman or lead employee. Others feel uncomfortable being singled out for praise. To build effective multicultural workplace communication, try dispersing information and praise in different ways to meet the needs of different individuals.
Training
Offer training early during the acculturation process for new workers so that rules, communication norms and conduct expectations are formally introduced. Don't just train professionals from other countries. U.S. workers also come from different cultures and backgrounds depending on numerous factors (such as geographic region) and can benefit from a unifying communication code. For example, some parts of the country might value a more hospitable, down-home approach during business transactions while other regions value formal professionalism. Acculturating new employees to your area's business approach can smooth interactions with clients and vendors.
Mentoring
After workers have been trained in workplace communication norms, assigning mentors can be an effective way to solidify and personalize that training. Longtime workers can build rapport with new employees from different backgrounds, answering questions or addressing concerns that might seem embarrassing or intimidating to ask in a group setting. Replacing employees is an expensive process. Minimize the chances that your staff members feel uncomfortable communicating in their new environment by contributing toward personal relationship-building. Mentors also can serve as liaisons between workers from different cultural backgrounds and management, indicating when needs aren't being met or suggesting mutually agreeable solutions.
Careful Conversation
When communicating in a multicultural workplace, avoid jargon, slang and metaphorical language to increase the chances of being understood. Never assume that what's been communicated has been understood correctly. Take extra time to gather confirmation from involved parties that your message has been received correctly. You might ask workers to explain what they took from your message. This allows the opportunity to confirm that your message was effectively received, correct misconceptions or add additional information.
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