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Using other than English
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We speak English in our office. Some employees (for whom English is not their native language) converse in groups of two or three in their native language. Should this be allowed or prohib
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Forums » Topic Forums » Legal Forum » Using other than English
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Using other than English
posted at 6/27/2012 4:22 PM EDT
on Workforce Management
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Posts: 1
First: 6/27/2012 Last: 6/27/2012 |
We speak English in our office. Some employees (for whom English is not their native language) converse in groups of two or three in their native language. Should this be allowed or prohibited? I feel that they should speak in English during work hours because a) An English speaking supervisor cannot tell whether or not these employees are talking about work related matters and b) The employees' English skills are adequate but could be improved. It seems always speaking English while in the office would improve their work related English skills. c) On work related matters, other employees could add to or benefit from the discussion. d) Though no one has complained, others may find it disruptive to their work. Two notes: 1) This is a business, not personal, issue. In fact, the language is one that I am trying to learn outside of work. 2) The language is not Spanish. I mention this since there are possible overloading issues with Spanish becoming an official language in some states.
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Re: Using other than English
posted at 6/28/2012 8:42 AM EDT
on Workforce Management
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Posts: 13
First: 2/6/2012 Last: 8/30/2012 |
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Re: Using other than English
posted at 7/2/2012 2:34 PM EDT
on Workforce Management
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Posts: 1
First: 7/2/2012 Last: 7/2/2012 |
What Dave said! I think you are edging up on a very dangerous line. This sounds like a neutral job policy that disproportionately affects persons of a certain race or color and that are NOT related to the job and the needs of the business. This is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. |
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Re: Using other than English
posted at 7/3/2012 11:10 AM EDT
on Workforce Management
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Posts: 2
First: 7/3/2012 Last: 7/3/2012 |
English should be the required language if predominant in the culture. Foreign tongues may be distracting to others, like speaker phones are. This is not a “race” issue, but a pragmatic operations decision. |
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Re: Using other than English
posted at 7/5/2012 9:53 AM EDT
on Workforce Management
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Posts: 1
First: 7/5/2012 Last: 7/5/2012 |
Should there also be a "no whispering" rule? When employees whisper to one another others can't hear what they are saying and the whispering is distracting. Shouldn't every employee have to speak loudly enough and clearly enough so that others who are not part of the conversation can hear them and also to eliminate the distraction caused by whispering? |
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Re: Using other than English
posted at 7/5/2012 11:54 AM EDT
on Workforce Management
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Posts: 3
First: 3/1/2012 Last: 7/5/2012 |
Dave and Heather are correct. Manfred is pointing you toward an expensive lawsuit you will almost certainly lose. English should be required only for reasons of urgency (e.g., safety warnings) or when speaking to a person who understands only English (co-worker, client, customer). Sadly, "understands only English" applies to vastly too many United States citizens. |
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