Hi
First of all, let me applaud your initiative to facilitate your employees improve their English language skills. The task would be challenging but the rewards would be widespread and very fulfilling.
It is essential that you categorise the employees into at least 2 broad categories :
- those who need a lot of improvement
- those who just need some additional inputs to improve
You may have to separately train both categories of employees, keeping in mind their specific requirements.
To gain proficiency in any language the key is to speak, read and write that language. You would have to therefore make it mandatory, for the employees to speak in English at the work place. If that is not possible, encourage them to converse in English. You should also make it a practice to communicate with them in English.
You would have to take a couple of sessions on basic grammar and preferably give the equivalent words in the native language ( In this case, I think it would be largely, a Tamil speaking set of employees). Ensure you give them ample exercises and make it fun for them to attempt the exercises, so that they enjoy the process. You can visit
www.englishbanana.com and possibly download their Elementary Book 1 to get started.
Since you handle the HR domain, you could put up a word of the day, proverbs /thought of the day, share interesting articles / write up in English on the notice boards. Encourage employees to use the word in their communication on that day / week. You could also ensure that there are magazines and periodicals in English placed at the work place for employees to read.
Be innovative and make use of fun activities and spot games periodically to help employees improve their English language skills. E.g. After lunch you could visit a department and select 2 or 3 employees of the department. Allow each one to choose a word from a random set of words you would have. Ask each one to make a sentence using that word. Thereafter all three would form a sentence in which all three words appear. Other team members of the department would observe, encourage and learn in the process.
From a written communication perspective, especially drafting emails, focus on the following
Importance of subject line and avoiding generic a subject line
Precis-writing practice would help in ensuring, short and crisp sentences being written.
Drafting skills (including pointers on using short sentences, one idea per para, use of headings and subheadings ) and ensuring logical flow of ideas in written communication
I would also encourage you to visit
www.englishgrammar.org for additional inputs.
Trust the above sharing would help you put your noble intent into action successfully.
Best Wishes