How Can HR Overcome Language and Skill Barriers in Employee Training?

Dear Experts, I am currently pursuing my Master's in Psychology in Human Resource Management at Christ University, Bengaluru. As part of my assignment, I need expert opinions regarding the problems faced by HR in training employees. I noticed a few problems like language barriers, differences in skill sets due to age, gender, and professional background, and inexperienced employees in the organization where I interned.

Request for Suggestions

I would request you to give your valuable suggestions to improve training and make it more effective.

Regards

The companies can overcome the problem of differences in skill sets by reinventing. This means companies need to consider different ways to run their businesses, including developing flexible operating models, organizational structures, and career paths centered on skills rather than business functions.

Dear Sonika, According to my experience in this field, I would suggest that while teaching new concepts, use repetition, as most people don’t learn something the first time they hear it. Employees need to hear the same message over and over before they fully grasp it. Don’t expect people to learn anything after being told once. This is true of all of your employees, whether they have a language barrier or not.

Effective Communication Strategies

If you want to communicate effectively, learn the basics of your employee’s language. To build rapport with your employees, you should consider learning a few words and phrases in their language.

Regards

The biggest difficulty in training is changing the mindset of the employees to be in tune with the organizational ethos. The employees come from a variety of backgrounds and often exhibit traits as per their upbringing. To alter the basic thought process in line with the organizational culture and ethics is the biggest challenge.

The solution to differences in skill sets can be to re-evaluate. Companies need to know what skills their employees possess. The broad capabilities of existing employees don't necessarily show up as key words in job descriptions.

Hi Sonika!

The biggest challenge that we are facing in the IT industry is the high rate of attrition. Training has become critical not only for skill enhancement but also for keeping the associates highly engaged. Additionally, the continuous technology refresh requires constant techno-commercial upgrading for the associates by our HR. The new training development module should keep this in perspective.

HR is the backbone of any organization. People who comprise this team must have superb interpersonal skills. Training platforms are a must to bring employees up to current market trends. Delegation is also essential. Despite language barriers, people respond better when they feel completely responsible for the assigned task. You must make them feel that you trust in their abilities to lead the team forward. Practical experience matters more than theory.

An organization revolves around its people. A cohesive team that understands the boardroom requirements and competitive trends, works collaboratively, and disregards the "I, Me, Myself" concept will set trends and create a fantastic working experience, making work a pleasure.

We spend a significant amount of time at the office, so a congenial atmosphere is desired by all who avoid engaging in corporate politics. Cheers, and I hope this helps. Take care.

Dear Sonika,

It is a very common problem all of us face as HR professionals and also as members of a group. There will always be age, cultural, and gender differences, but that should never come in the way of how we treat our employees. Additionally, we can organize small games or recreational activities during the weekend where everyone can get to know each other, and these barriers will appear very minor over time.

I hope some of these suggestions prove useful as you deal with any issues at hand.

Hello Sonika!

In my opinion, you can overcome the language barrier by explaining and showing how to perform tasks. This approach will simplify your training method. First, demonstrate what you expect, and then ask employees to carry out the task while you observe their performance.

One of the main problems faced by HR in training, according to me, is the cost incurred by the company in training the employees, as many of these trained employees switch over to other companies. Also, the cost of training might affect the profit margins of the company.

Hi Sonika,

I recently conducted research on age groups and generational differences. It is most evident that organizations must change their training methods based on the age group of the employees. Millennials prefer more specific (personal) and technology-based training than other generations. It is better if you adapt and start giving training according to the age of the employees...!!