11 Dec 2009

Workplace language lessons can aid more than communication

Companies ranging from manufacturers to hotels to banks are learning they can't escape communication problems by ignoring them. Instead, a growing number of midstate companies have turned to community college programs to tear down language barriers so they can better engage the growing Spanish-speaking work force, as well as employees of eastern European or Asian origins.

Central Pennsylvania companies are using programs through Harrisburg Area Community College to teach English to workers and other languages to supervisors. The program has been a success at area businesses, where managers said the language skills have improved morale and staff communication, and reduced problems.

"It really changes the whole work environment," said Phillip Murray, general manager of the Gettysburg Hotel in Adams County. "It was imperative to do something before we had a total breakdown in communication."

Read more about how work-place language learning can help companies grow