Expert Insights: Top techniques for multilingual training

In today's interconnected world, a multilingual workforce is a powerful competitive advantage. However, training employees with diverse language backgrounds can be a complex challenge. To explore effective strategies for creating inclusive and impactful multilingual training, we've invited e-learning, localization, and multilingual training expert Mariana Horrisberger to share her insights and experience. Join us as we delve into the world of multilingual employee training and discover how to create learning experiences that resonate.

Understanding multilingual employee training

Multilingual employee training goes beyond simple translation. It's about creating learning experiences that resonate with employees from different cultures and linguistic backgrounds. By understanding your workforce's demographics, including native language and cultural nuances you can tailor training to maximize engagement and retention.

This is especially important when translating cultural references and examples that might land differently (or not make sense at all) from English into other languages. Here’s a look at how multilingual learning benefits organizations from a translation professional's perspective.

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Benefits of multilingual training for companies and employees

According to a study by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), companies that implement multilingual training see a 25% increase in employee productivity and a 30% improvement in employee retention rates. This highlights the tangible benefits of investing in multilingual training programs for organizations aiming for global success.

Want to know more benefits of multilingual training and see real-world examples? Keep reading!

1. Enhanced communication and collaboration

Providing training materials in employees' native languages ensures accurate comprehension and retention. When multilingual staff receive training in their preferred language, they are more likely to grasp complex concepts, follow procedures correctly, and effectively apply their knowledge. This boosts performance, productivity, and confidence, contributing to overall workforce learning and development.

2. Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Multilingual training plays a crucial role in supporting DEI initiatives. By offering training in multiple languages, organizations demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity. This approach ensures that all employees, regardless of their linguistic background, have equal access to professional development opportunities. It fosters a sense of belonging and equity, as every team member feels valued and understood.

3. Improving employee engagement and retention

Multilingual employees are more engaged when training is delivered in their native language. They feel more comfortable participating, asking questions, and interacting with the material. This heightened engagement leads to improved learning outcomes, job satisfaction, and ultimately, increased employee retention. Investing in multilingual training demonstrates a company's value for its diverse workforce.

4. Boosting internal efficiency and compliance

Clear and effective training is essential for maintaining high standards of efficiency and compliance in the workplace. Multilingual training ensures that all employees understand safety protocols, company policies, and regulatory requirements. This reduces the risk of errors, accidents, and non-compliance, which can have severe financial and legal repercussions for the organization.

5. Expanding Market Reach and Competitiveness

Imagine running a company that operates all around the world. Pretty exciting, right? Multilingual training can be your secret weapon. It helps your team chat effortlessly with international clients and partners, building stronger relationships and delivering top-notch customer service. Plus, by keeping your product and service terminology consistent across different languages, you ensure clear and unified messaging.

Take a multinational tech company, for instance. By offering multilingual training to their sales and marketing teams, they can dodge misunderstandings and keep their brand message sharp and consistent. This way, everyone gets the right info about product features and benefits, no matter where they are. 

6. Enhancing professional development

Multilingual training opens up more doors for employees to grow professionally. When they have access to a variety of learning resources and programs, they can build a wider range of skills and move up the career ladder. For multinational companies, this kind of training is key to building a globally-minded workforce and drawing in diverse talent. It helps shape global leaders who can handle cultural differences and language challenges with ease.

For example, an employee fluent in Spanish who receives training in Portuguese could potentially open new market opportunities for the company in Brazil and Portugal.

Industry-Specific approaches to multilingual training

IT Industry 

In the IT industry, global training programs emphasize the need for both technical and soft skills across different languages. Imagine working at IBM or Microsoft; these giants provide interlingual training to ensure their diverse teams can effectively collaborate on complex projects. It's not just about technical skills but also soft skills across various languages. This kind of workforce learning boosts problem-solving capabilities and sparks innovation within the company. 

Healthcare and global medical training

When it comes to healthcare, multilingual staff training is a game-changer for medical compliance and patient safety. Think about organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). They translate medical training materials into multiple languages to ensure healthcare professionals worldwide follow the same standards of care and regulatory compliance. This approach significantly improves patient outcomes and safety.

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Finance global training 

The finance industry deals with the complexities of international markets and regulations. Global financial institutions like HSBC and JPMorgan Chase offer multilingual training programs to address these challenges. By translating training materials on topics such as international regulations, compliance, and market analysis, these institutions ensure that their employees are well-equipped to navigate the global financial landscape and make informed decisions.

Implementing a multilingual training program: 5 expert tips

Getting multilingual training up and running in your organization might feel like a big challenge, but it doesn't have to be. With the right strategies and tools, you can smoothly apply multilingual training into your workforce learning programs. 

Below, we've got some practical solutions and tips to help you out. These will make sure your team can communicate well and work together seamlessly, no matter the language differences. 

1. Consider universal design elements

When creating training materials, it's good practice to use universal design elements that can be easily understood by diverse audiences. This also makes it easier for your training to be translated into multiple languages. Some elements to consider are:

• Icons and symbols: Utilize universally recognized icons and symbols to convey important information visually. This helps bridge language gaps and enhances comprehension.
• Gestures: Incorporate culturally appropriate gestures that are easily understood across different regions. Avoid gestures that may have different (especially negative) meanings in various cultures.
• Colors: Be mindful of color symbolism in different cultures. Colors can have varied meanings and associations, so choose a color scheme that is universally acceptable.
• Cutouts and visuals: Use clear and straightforward visuals that can be easily interpreted by people from different linguistic backgrounds. Simplified diagrams and infographics can convey complex information effectively. Be mindful of specific cultural restrictions when choosing your cutouts. 

2. Utilize eLearning platforms

eLearning platforms are invaluable tools for delivering multilingual training. They offer flexibility, scalability, and the ability to update content easily. Features to look for in eLearning platforms include:

• Multilingual support: Ensure the platform supports multiple languages and allows for easy switching between languages.
• Interactive content: Incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, simulations, and multimedia to engage learners.
• Accessibility: Choose platforms that comply with accessibility standards to ensure training materials are accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities.

3. Incorporate language translation and localization Services

To make training accessible and relevant to all employees, it is crucial to work with professional translation and localization services. These services ensure that training content is not only translated accurately but also culturally adapted. Key considerations include:

• Professional translators: Engage experienced translators who are native speakers of the target language and understand the cultural nuances.
• Localization experts: Utilize localization experts to adapt content for specific regions, ensuring cultural relevance and appropriateness.
• Quality assurance: Implement rigorous quality assurance processes to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of translated materials.

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4. Customize training content for regional needs

Different regions may have specific training requirements based on local regulations, cultural practices, and business environments. Customizing training content ensures it meets these unique needs. Steps to customize training include:

• Needs assessment: Conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify regional training requirements and preferences.
• Localized examples: Incorporate region-specific examples and case studies to make the training more relevant and relatable.
• Cultural sensitivity: Ensure that the content respects local customs, traditions, and sensitivities.

5. Leverage Technology

Let's talk about the power of technology! With all the advancements in AI and machine translation tools, you can really boost the efficiency and effectiveness of your multilingual training programs. Here are a couple of ways to make the most of it:

• AI-Powered Translation: Use AI-driven translation tools to quickly and accurately translate content that isn't super critical. Just remember, even then, it's essential to have human oversight to ensure everything is top-notch and accurate.
• Machine Learning: Implement machine learning algorithms to analyze learner data and provide personalized training recommendations.
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Utilize VR and AR technologies to create immersive training experiences that can be easily localized for different languages and cultures.

Conclusion

Multilingual training isn't just about translating content. It's about embracing cultural understanding, promoting inclusivity, and boosting employee engagement. When you invest in multilingual corporate training, you're enhancing communication, supporting DEI initiatives, respecting cultural differences, and improving employee retention. For organizations, it's more than just compliance or convenience—it's a strategic move that drives efficiency, competitiveness, and overall success. By welcoming multilingual learning and implementing practical solutions, companies can foster a more inclusive, competent, and motivated workforce, ready to excel in a globalized world.

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