1. COMMUNICATION In A Diverse Workplace

2. Slow down! Pause more. Slow down! Pause more. Be very clear when giving instructions. Be very clear when giving instructions. Use simple direct language and explain workplace jargon. Use simple direct language and explain workplace jargon. Communication

3. Provide important instructions in written form as well as spoken. Provide important instructions in written form as well as spoken. Check understanding of instructions by asking your employee to repeat what they have to do: ask them, “So, what are you going to do first?” Check understanding of instructions by asking your employee to repeat what they have to do: ask them, “So, what are you going to do first?” Just because someone has a strong accent it doesn’t mean they have poor English skills or can’t do the job. Just because someone has a strong accent it doesn’t mean they have poor English skills or can’t do the job. Communication

4. Communication Newcomers want to do well and are keen to improve their performance. If their English language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) do need enhancing there are local resources available. Newcomers want to do well and are keen to improve their performance. If their English language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) do need enhancing there are local resources available. Employers who invest in language training for their employees usually see noticeable improvements in productivity. Employers who invest in language training for their employees usually see noticeable improvements in productivity. Get an interpreter if necessary – it really pays off. Get an interpreter if necessary – it really pays off.

5. The more you hear and speak with newcomers, the more you will pick up on the accents and you will find it easier to understand. The more you hear and speak with newcomers, the more you will pick up on the accents and you will find it easier to understand. Ask them to repeat until you understand. Ask them to repeat until you understand. Use visuals, gestures, demonstrations to explain your point. Use visuals, gestures, demonstrations to explain your point. Have patience, give them time to comprehend – don’t fill the pauses. Have patience, give them time to comprehend – don’t fill the pauses. Do not assume communications have been understood. Do not assume communications have been understood. Communication

6. Be inclusive. Be inclusive. Be aware of religious / cultural jokes or criticisms in your environment. Be aware of religious / cultural jokes or criticisms in your environment. Watch acronyms- ensure understanding. Watch acronyms- ensure understanding. Practice patience! Practice patience! Communication