In the diverse world of restaurants, effective communication equals success. For HR and training leaders in the hospitality industry seeking to bridge language barriers among their staff and create opportunities for internal promotion, the quest for linguistic fluency is critical.

However, simply translating training content into Spanish and French isn’t enough. In a globalized world, the case for accessible training stretches beyond just language barriers. According to the National Restaurant Association, 22% of restaurant workers were born outside of the U.S., with 60% under the age of 35. At Opus, we know that making sure training can get into the hands of every frontline worker is just one piece of the puzzle—ensuring the content is relevant and personalized to each worker is where the work continues. 

Only 12% of restaurant technology is developed for frontline employees, making restaurants vulnerable to a poor employee experience, ultimately impacting operations and the guest experience. In the years since Opus has transformed from its beginnings as ESL Works, our mission remains the same—to build a world where every frontline worker has a great job.

Opus: Pioneering Multilingual Training Technology

Opus is dedicated to simplifying the process of training in hospitality-driven businessesby making it accessible to employees from diverse backgrounds. Our translation technology achieves 95% to 99% accuracy. However, like with any translation resource you use, the effectiveness of multilingual training is impacted by how you write that training in English.

In this 3-part guide, we'll explore practical strategies for HR and training leaders to optimize language translations:

Part 1: Ensuring Consistency and Accuracy Through Technology

  • Improving English inputs. Start with clear and standardized English content to establish a strong foundation for language learning.
  • Utilizing translation editors. Leverage translation editors to refine translations and ensure accuracy, tailoring content to meet specific workforce needs.
  • Creating a translation override glossary. Develop a comprehensive glossary of commonly used terms to maintain consistency across training materials and minimize confusion.

Part 2: Managers Adopting Nonverbal Communication in Training

While translated, written material is a huge step towards accessibility, a significant portion of training is still done in-person. This article dives into how trainers and managers can adapt communication styles during training sessions to convey information to your diverse employee base. Incorporate visual aids, demonstrations, and hands-on activities to enhance comprehension and retention among non-native English speakers.

Part 3: Fostering Cross-Cultural Sensitivity

Supporting a multilingual workforce reflects the evolving employment  landscape and is essential for success in today's multicultural society. By implementing cross-cultural awareness, HR and training leaders can effectively navigate language barriers, unlocking the full potential of their teams. By investing in the right translation tools and strategies, everyone can get up to speed faster, enabling restaurants to respond to business needs at a pace that customers' expect these days.