In Manufacturing, every process, procedure, and protocol is designed to help keep operations running smoothly while protecting employees on the job. Many manufacturers face a growing challenge that can impact all three: effective communication in the workplace with a multilingual workforce.

Today’s manufacturing facilities often employ individuals from diverse backgrounds who speak a variety of languages. While this diversity brings valuable skills and perspectives to the workplace, it can also create communication challenges when critical information is only available in English. When safety procedures, training materials, emergency protocols, and workplace communications are not fully understood, the consequences can extend far beyond productivity, affecting employee safety, OSHA compliance, and organizational liability.

Manufacturers are recognizing that clear communication in the workplace is not simply a convenience. It is an important component of workplace safety, compliance, and operational success. From employee training and safety documentation translation to on-demand interpreting, manufacturers are looking to SpokenHere to help ensure critical information is understood by every member of their workforce.

The Growing Reality of Multilingual Manufacturing Workforces

Manufacturing has long relied on a diverse workforce, and that trend continues to grow. Facilities across the country employ individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) who speak a wide variety of native languages. While this diversity is a tremendous asset that helps manufacturers attract talent and remain competitive, it can also create communication challenges when critical workplace information is delivered in only one language.

For many employees, understanding safety procedures, equipment instructions, company policies, and emergency protocols is essential to performing their jobs safely and effectively. When information is not communicated in a language employees fully understand, even routine tasks can become safety concerns.

Many manufacturers are discovering that investing in professional translation and interpreting services is not only about supporting employees. It is also about protecting operations, reducing risk, and creating a safer workplace for everyone.

Why Communication in the Workplace Matters for OSHA Compliance

Workplace safety is not just a best practice. It is also a compliance issue.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to “provide training and information in a manner that employees can understand”. The goal is not simply to distribute information. The goal is to ensure workers comprehend the information well enough to perform their jobs safely.

This requirement applies to a wide variety of workplace communications, including:

• Hazard communication programs
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Lockout/tag out procedures
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) training
• Emergency response plans
• Equipment operation training
• Workplace safety policies

Providing information that employees cannot fully understand may leave organizations vulnerable to safety incidents and potential compliance concerns.

Understanding is not optional. It is part of compliance.

How Poor Communication in the Workplace Impacts Manufacturing Operations

Many organizations recognize the importance of communication, but they may not fully understand the costs associated with language barriers.

Increased Safety Risks

The most obvious concern is workplace safety.

When employees misunderstand instructions or fail to comprehend training materials fully, the likelihood of accidents and injuries increases. Workers may inadvertently misuse equipment, overlook safety precautions, or fail to follow established procedures.

Even minor misunderstandings can create significant risks in manufacturing environments where employees regularly work with machinery, chemicals, and specialized equipment.

Compliance Concerns

Language barriers can also create compliance challenges.

If employees do not understand required safety training, organizations may struggle to demonstrate that training requirements have been effectively met. In the event of an OSHA inspection or workplace incident, communication gaps can become a significant concern.

Clear, accessible communication helps organizations support both employee safety and compliance efforts.

Operational Inefficiencies

Communication challenges can also affect productivity.

When instructions must repeatedly be explained, supervisors spend more time clarifying information and less time focusing on operations. Misunderstandings can result in errors, production delays, and additional training requirements.

These inefficiencies can impact productivity and increase operational costs over time.

Employee Confidence and Retention

Employees perform best when they understand what is expected of them.

When workers struggle to access important information, they may feel less confident asking questions or participating in workplace discussions. This can impact employee engagement, job satisfaction, and retention.

Strong communication helps create a workplace culture where employees feel informed, supported, and valued. With the right language services partner, manufacturers can ensure critical information is understood across their workforce.

How Human Translation Improves Communication in the Workplace

Technology has made translation more accessible than ever, but manufacturing environments often require a level of accuracy that machine translation cannot guarantee. Technical documentation, safety instructions, regulatory requirements, and operational procedures frequently contain specialized terminology where even small errors can have serious consequences.

When employee safety and compliance are involved, accuracy matters. Professional human translators understand the context, technical language, industry requirements, and cultural nuances needed to preserve meaning and intent. Our SpokenHere translators help manufacturers accurately communicate safety materials, technical documentation, employee communications, and operational procedures, reducing risk while improving communication across the workforce.

Beyond Documents: Where Manufacturers Need Language Support

Many organizations think about translation primarily in terms of documents. In reality, communication needs often extend across nearly every area of a manufacturing operation and are needed in both translation (written word) and interpretation (spoken word).

Manufacturers frequently rely on language support for:

• Training Programs – onboarding, safety training, compliance training, equipment certifications, and quality control procedures
• Workforce Communication – Human Resources announcements, benefits information, policy updates, employee meetings, and workplace initiatives
• Facility Operations – signage, safety notices, emergency communications, incident reporting, and operational procedures
• Vendor & Supply Chain Communication – technical documentation, product specifications, quality standards, supplier communications, and international collaboration

Providing critical information in employees’ preferred languages helps improve understanding, reduce risk, and support safer, more efficient operations.

Building Safer, More Connected Manufacturing Workplaces

In manufacturing, safety depends on more than procedures. It depends on understanding.

As workforces become increasingly multilingual, clear communication has become an essential part of workplace safety, OSHA compliance, employee engagement, and operational success. As organizations grow, so do their translation and interpreting needs. By partnering with SpokenHere, manufacturers can move beyond addressing language barriers one request at a time and implement consistent communication strategies that help reduce risk, strengthen operations, and ensure employees understand critical information.

SpokenHere helps manufacturers communicate clearly through:

• Professional Human Translation
• On-Demand Telephone Interpreting
• Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
• Multilingual Workforce Communication
• Technical Document Translation
• Scalable Language Solutions for Growing Organizations

Whether supporting a multilingual workforce on the production floor, translating safety documentation, or helping employees communicate during training and onboarding, SpokenHere serves as an extension of your team. With the right partner in place, manufacturers can move beyond basic translation and interpretation and create a workplace culture where employees have access to the information they need to work safely, confidently, and successfully.

When employees understand critical information, everyone benefits.

Whether you’re translating safety materials, supporting a multilingual workforce, or looking to improve workplace communication, SpokenHere can help. Contact our team to learn how professional translation and interpreting services can support your manufacturing operations.

The post Reducing Risk in Manufacturing: Why Language Access Matters for OSHA Compliance appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

Many people assume that all medical interpreters and translators are automatically HIPAA compliant, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Some providers underestimate the importance of HIPAA training, secure systems, and confidentiality standards, putting hospitals, patients, and even themselves at risk. Choosing the wrong language services provider can expose healthcare organizations to serious compliance concerns, financial penalties, and reputational damage.

Why HIPAA Compliance Matters When Choosing a Medical Interpreter

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a law passed by the United States Congress to ensure that hospitals and healthcare organizations protect sensitive patient information. This Protected Health Information (PHI) includes everything from patient diagnoses and medical records to contact information, whether it exists electronically, on paper, or verbally.

HIPAA rules and regulations are strictly enforced by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Violations can result in severe consequences, including fines of up to $1.5 million annually, reputational damage, and even imprisonment in certain cases. Whether violations occur intentionally or unintentionally, healthcare organizations are expected to ensure every individual or vendor handling PHI understands and follows HIPAA requirements.

Who Is Responsible for HIPAA Compliance in Medical Interpreting Services?

Under HIPAA, hospitals and healthcare organizations are considered covered entities. Covered entities and their employees are required by the HHS to undergo HIPAA training and maintain compliance standards.

Contractors who work with hospitals but are not direct employees, such as translators and interpreters, are considered business associates. While business associates are not always legally required to complete formal HIPAA certification training, healthcare organizations can still be held liable for violations committed by those vendors.

That means selecting a language services provider that prioritizes HIPAA compliance, confidentiality, and secure communication systems is not just recommended, it is essential.

How to Choose HIPAA-Compliant Medical Interpreting and Translation Services

Now that we’ve established the importance of partnering only with HIPAA-compliant business associates, including translators and interpreters, it is important to recognize that not every company claiming to specialize in medical interpreting services or translation services truly meets those standards.

When evaluating a medical interpreter or translator or a language services provider, begin by asking whether they are are required to comply with HIPAA standards and follow strict confidentiality standards. You should also ask whether interpreters and translators sign company confidentiality agreements that prohibit the sharing of any information related to interpretation or translation sessions, whether PHI is involved or not.

Additionally, ask about the provider’s internal quality assurance and accountability processes. A reputable company should have clear procedures for handling potential compliance concerns, maintaining documentation, and addressing any violations swiftly and professionally.

Just as importantly, HIPAA compliance extends beyond the medical interpreter themselves. The systems, technology, and processes used to deliver services matter as well. A secure, HIPAA-compliant platform helps protect sensitive patient communication and reduces risk for healthcare organizations. Additionally, a reputable provider should have clear consequences for confidentiality or HIPAA violations, including termination and/or legal action when appropriate.

AI in Healthcare Language Access: Where Human Medical Interpreters Still Matter

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape healthcare communication, many organizations are asking whether AI translation and interpreting tools are a safe replacement for human language professionals. While AI can play a valuable role in improving access, efficiency, and support in lower-risk situations, healthcare conversations often involve medical complexity, cultural nuance, patient trust, and emotionally sensitive communication where accuracy matters deeply.

Misinterpretations, privacy concerns, or a lack of human understanding can carry serious consequences in healthcare settings. We believe AI should enhance language access, not replace the expertise of a trained medical interpreter or healthcare language professional. The best approach is often one that combines innovation with human oversight, ensuring communication remains accurate, compassionate, secure, and patient-centered.

Why Healthcare Organizations Choose SpokenHere for Medical Interpreting Services

When you partner with us, HIPAA compliance is built into every level of our services, not treated as an afterthought.

Not only are our interpreters & translators HIPAA compliant and professionally trained, but the platforms and processes we use to deliver medical interpreting services are also secure and HIPAA compliant. We understand that healthcare communication requires more than language fluency alone.

Quality medical interpreting services are not only about compliance, but also about patient experience. Clear communication can play an important role in helping Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their care journey. Because patient communication and experience are key components of HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) scores, quality language access services may help healthcare organizations strengthen patient satisfaction efforts, improve communication outcomes, and better support value-based care initiatives tied to CMS reimbursement models.

For more than 15 years, healthcare organizations have trusted SpokenHere because of our long-term consistency and commitment to quality. Unlike providers that frequently rotate personnel, we prioritize dedicated project management continuity and interpreter consistency whenever possible. Many of our clients work with the same trusted team members year after year, helping create smoother communication, stronger partnerships, and more reliable patient experiences.

We also provide:

• 24/7/365 access to interpreting services
• Dedicated interpreter teams for frequently requested languages
• Rapid response customer support from real people
• Proven quality assurance processes and reliable service delivery
• Compassionate professionals who understand the human side of healthcare communication
• A strong commitment to confidentiality, HIPAA awareness, and professional accountability

We believe every patient’s interaction deserves clear communication delivered with excellence, integrity, and compassion.

Need a trusted partner for medical interpreting services or HIPAA compliant translation services? Request a free consultation today.

Get a Free Consultation

The post How to Choose a Medical Interpreter, Translator and Trusted Language Access Partner appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

How trauma informed language services help nonprofits, clinics and global organizations protect, empower, and communicate with LEP survivors

For survivors of trauma, language is more than communication—it’s a lifeline. Whether navigating a court proceeding, a medical appointment, or an intake interview at a shelter, survivors must be heard with precision, empathy, and cultural respect. That’s why trauma informed language services are critical.

As we observe PTSD Awareness Month this June, it’s the perfect time to highlight how language access – when delivered with sensitivity – can uphold dignity, build trust, and facilitate healing. SpokenHere is proud to support nonprofits, charitable clinics, and advocacy organizations across the country with trauma informed interpretation and translation services designed for these moments.

What is Trauma Informed Interpreting

Trauma informed interpreting goes beyond accurate language conversion. It requires interpreters to be mindful of how trauma may affect communication and behavior. This means being alert to nonverbal cues, avoiding re-traumatization, and adapting tone and technique to ensure the client feels safe and respected.

A trauma informed interpreter will:

• Use calming and respectful tone and body language
• Maintain neutrality while demonstrating empathy
• Avoid interrupting or pressuring the speaker
• Recognize cultural taboos or sensitivities
• Pause or clarify in a way that reduces confusion, not control

This approach is especially critical for survivors of violence, forced migration, abuse, or war, whose trauma may affect memory, speech patterns, or willingness to engage.

Cultural Sensitivity: A Cornerstone of Healing

Culturally sensitive language services ensure survivors are not only understood but also honored. When interpreters and translators understand the cultural context of a client’s trauma – whether it stems from domestic violence, racial injustice, displacement, or systemic neglect – they can help foster a sense of safety and belonging.

From Rohingya-speaking clients fleeing genocide to Spanish-speaking survivors of domestic violence, culturally responsive communication allows organizations to serve communities more equitably and compassionately.

Where Trauma Informed Services Matter Most

SpokenHere supports a wide range of organizations where trauma informed language and culturally responsive interpreting is essential:

• Charitable and Free Clinics – The ability to access language services at healthcare facilities has been shown to improve patient outcomes significantly, including receiving more recommended preventive services, attending more office visits, and successfully fulfilling more prescriptions. Our medical interpreters (and translators when medical documents need to be translated) ensure that this improved level of care is provided to LEP patients who seek medical care with any of our partnering providers.
• Housing Advocacy and Legal Aid – Many survivors face language barriers while navigating fair housing protections or restraining orders. By breaking down the language barrier with a skilled interpreter and providing documents that the prospective home buyer/renter can fully understand, meaningful language access allows them a fair chance to find the best housing for their needs.
• Elder Care Services – Aging adults processing trauma, especially those with memory or cognitive conditions, benefit from language services rooted in empathy. The U.S. healthcare system is complex, and it can be hard for many older adults to navigate. This challenge is greatly increased when the aging patient has limited English proficiency (LEP). Language assistance through the use of professional medical interpreters can help senior LEP patients access and receive much needed healthcare services.
• Victim Advocacy Organizations – Reliving traumatic stories is already a heavy burden for abuse victims – regardless of whether a language barrier exists – when they are seeking asylum and safety. For those with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), the inability to communicate effectively can intensify feelings of fear and shame. Trauma informed remote interpretation enables privacy, accessibility, and immediate support for survivors in crisis.

Balancing Compassion with Innovation: The Role of AI Tools

While trauma informed interpreting is rooted in human connection, emerging technologies can help expand access and lower costs for resource-constrained organizations.

AI-powered transcription tools, automated scheduling systems, and even preliminary translation software are making it easier for nonprofits and clinics to streamline workflows. When paired with professional human interpreters, who bring cultural and emotional nuance, these tools can create more responsive, cost-effective solutions.

SpokenHere continues to explore thoughtful integration of new tools while centering the human element, especially when working with trauma survivors.

Language as a Bridge to Healing

Every word spoken through an interpreter can either build a bridge or create a barrier. Trauma informed, culturally sensitive interpreting ensures that survivors are met with dignity, not distance.

This June, as we shine a light on PTSD and the effects of trauma, we reaffirm our commitment to helping organizations speak with compassion and clarity. Healing begins when people feel safe enough to share their story and be understood.

Ready to create safer spaces through better communication?

Contact SpokenHere today to learn how we can support your mission with trauma informed language services.

The post Trauma Informed Language: Culturally Sensitive Interpreting appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

Many non-profit organizations serve diverse communities that may not have access to translation and interpretation resources.

To ensure these limited English proficiency (LEP) populations receive the support that they need in their native language, a growing number of organizations are providing clear, localized, and compassionate language services.

In This Article:

• Why Non-Profit Translation Services and Interpreting are Important and the key benefits
• Types of Language Services for Charitable Organizations
• Best Practices for Making Your Organization Accessible
• Action Steps for Non-Profit Organizations Serving Diverse Communities

In today’s globalized world, organizations in every industry face language access hurdles. However, non-profit organizations can face an even greater communication challenge, as they often work with the most vulnerable and at risk individuals and families. Whether providers and teams can communicate effectively during each interaction with their clients, patients, and all those seeking aid.

Imagine if…

…you were a victim of sex trafficking, and could not read the safety bulletins providing instructions on how to escape nor could you understand the rescue worker’s spoken communication.

…you were a parent of a child with special needs, and you didn’t understand the emails or messages from school administrators or clinicians who are striving to help your child.

…you were an elderly citizen in need of healthcare services, and you could not understand the medical provider’s questions nor the written instructions that were sent home with you.

In each of these scenarios, much rides on whether or not the individual(s) in question have a language gap with the service provider. They need help and support in a language that they understand.

Non-profit organizations can benefit from a variety of language services, including document/pamphlet translation and remote interpretation. While these are fairly standard language services, non-profits and those they serve often require industry-specific language professionals who can facilitate communication with both clarity and compassion.

For instance, a medical clinic requires a remote interpreter trained in healthcare jargon and privacy laws. Similarly, a women’s advocacy group might need a translator who understands not just the various target audience’s native languages, but also how to localize the translation of any flyers or communications to ensure accuracy and correct nuance given the sensitive material.

As we explore this topic of non-profit translation services and interpreting services, you will learn best practices and action steps for your organization. For your services and resources to make meaningful differences in the lives of those served, it must be truly accessible.

Why Non-Profit Translation Services and Interpreting are Important

Language services play a crucial role in the effectiveness of non-profit organizations. Translators and interpreters help teams communicate clearly with diverse communities, enhancing trust and building stronger relationships.

Providing translation and remote interpretation also improves access to inclusive resources and equitable care. For instance, when immigrants seek healthcare, understanding the information can make a significant difference.

Benefits of Language Services:

• Increased Engagement: More people participate when they understand the information provided.
• Improved Access: Language skills help communities navigate essential services like healthcare and education.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Tailored communication respects and acknowledges diverse cultural backgrounds.

Ultimately, investing in language services enhances an organization’s ability to fulfill their mission inclusively.

Types of Language Services for Charitable Organizations

Translation Services

Translation services involve converting written content from one language to another. This service is vital for non-profits that aim to share information with a linguistically diverse audience.

Key features include:

• Document translations: This may involve anything from reports to pamphlets.
• Cultural accuracy: With a diverse community, your message will be most clearly understood by localizing the content – i.e. by adapting idioms and expressions appropriately and adjusting images, colors, and content to align with community norms and values.
• Legal compliance: Certain materials may need to meet local regulations, which localization considers when translated by an industry expert.

Effective translation allows non-profit organizations to reach a broader audience, and it ensures that important messages are understood correctly.

Remote Interpretation Services

Remote interpretation services provide real-time language support for conversations and meetings. This service is increasingly important, especially in our digital world.

Key features include:

• Video and audio options: Interpreters can facilitate discussions through video remote interpreting (VRI) or over-the-phone interpreting (OPI).
• On-demand access: We can quickly mobilize interpreters for urgent communication needs, but also recommend when possible scheduling an interpretation session ahead of time.

This approach enables non-profits to interact with clients and partners globally, breaking down language barriers with ease.

Other Language Services

While translation and interpretation are the most well-known language access solutions requested by non-profits, there are many other language solutions for more specific needs.

Voiceover services involve recording spoken content in different languages. This service is crucial for videos, presentations, and training materials aimed at multilingual audiences. Voiceover services allow non-profits to deliver messages in an engaging format, making information accessible and approachable for everyone.

Subtitles and captioning makes your content more accessible for consumers who speak other languages, and for those who may be hard of hearing.Adding subtitles to your videoscan greatly expand your audience reach and assist more people in understanding your message.

Best Practices for Making Your Organization Accessible

If you want your organization to be accessible to a diverse community with language gaps and limited English, then follow these best practices.

Develop Clear Language Policies

Creating clear language policies is essential to outline the goals and standards, including what languages your organization supports (if limited) and the types of language services offered.

It’s also important to include guidelines for staff and volunteers. Training sessions can help team members understand the language gap of your audience and develop procedures for how to handle situations requiring translation or interpretation.

Maintain Consistency and Accuracy

Consistency in language services builds trust within your diverse community. Using qualified translators and interpreters is crucial. They should be familiar with the specific terminology relevant to your cause, as already mentioned.

Additionally, regular reviews of any translated materials can aid in catching errors and outdated information, avoiding misunderstandings that may impact your message.

Ensuring Confidentiality and Sensitivity

Confidentiality is vital for many non-profit organizations. When a third person is involved in confidential communication (such as a remote interpreter), personal information must be handled with care and follow privacy practices.

Cultural understanding should also be a priority. The diverse community your organization serves require language professionals to approach engagements respectfully.

Action Steps for Non-Profit Organizations Serving Diverse Communities

No matter what type(s) of language services your organization needs to serve your audience most effectively, choosing high-quality, human translators and remote interpreters enhances your organization’s communication and outreach.

These action steps below can improve your organization’s language resources.

Action Steps for Ensuring LEP Individuals Experience Equitable & Inclusive Communication:

1. Assess Language Needs
   Identify the languages spoken in your diverse community.
2. Develop Multilingual Resources
   Create brochures, websites, and other materials in multiple languages by engaging a specialized translator. This ensures information is accessible to everyone.
3. Train Staff and Volunteers
   Provide training on cultural sensitivity and effective communication to help your team engage better with diverse populations.
4. Leverage Technology
   Use remote interpretation mobile platforms to support communication.
5. Monitor and Evaluate
   Regularly assess the effectiveness of your language services to expand and improve as needed.

SpokenHere Translators and Interpreters Provide Meaningful Communication

Our team of professional translators and remote interpreters already supports diverse communities across the United States. They enhance the efficiency of many charitable organizations by ensuring clear and compassionate communication. When they fill the language gap, it allows non-profits to build stronger relationships with populations they serve, such as at-risk teens and families in need. A caring voice can help someone struggling work through even the most complex conversations, and we always strive to be that.

See in our case studies with non-profit partners the impact that language professionals have made by providing culturally sensitive, industry-expert language services. Additionally, our non-profit translation services and interpreting teams are committed to complete confidentiality to protect sensitive data, while delivering the necessary quality your organization demands.

We are honored to work with the non-profit and charitable organization making positive changes in the world. Contact us today to learn more about our services and any other language needs your team might have.

The post Enhancing Communication and Impact: Non-Profit Translation and Interpreting Services appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

Multicultural teams are on the rise. More companies are focused on how to attract and retain an exceptional, collaborative workforce no matter where they live or what their cultural background is. Language services can be used to attract and hire a diverse workforce, communicate with employees and customers, and increase engagement and retention. This simple step can elevate the appeal of your company and allow you to meet the ever-growing demand for multicultural talent.

The benefits of hiring multilingual/multicultural employees

Hiring multilingual employees can have a significant impact on the growth of your business. Globalization, migration and the increase in a multilingual population have made companies realize the importance of having a workforce that is culturally diverse. Having a diverse workforce can help you grow your business, improve communication, and make it easier to connect with key new customers.

The key benefits of a diverse team include:

1. Unique Point of View

A team of people with diverse backgrounds offers a mix of skills, ideas, and viewpoints that can help with things like product development, user experience, and customer support. Their insights can improve your business intelligence, enabling you to make better decisions, and to understand new target audiences better.

If you are trying to break into a multilingual customer base that you haven’t connected with before, having this diverse team can be hugely beneficial!

2. Elimination of Cultural Barriers

If your business is expanding globally, you may face cross-cultural barriers that you might not have been aware of. The right employee with experience in that country or region could help breakdown barriers and deal with linguistically/culturally sensitive projects.

In fact, having an inside perspective into the cultural context of your target audience can save you a LOT of headaches! Even some of the biggest corporations in the world have made colossal translation blunders in their marketing efforts. Having professional translators and more diverse perspectives could have prevented these disasters easily!

3. High Productivity

Numerous studies have shown that bilingual and multilingual individuals can switch between tasks faster and with ease when compared to those who speak only one language. In a fast-paced working environment, this flexibility is invaluable.

Create a Welcoming Company Culture

Attracting and retaining top talent begins with your company’s culture. We are not talking about having games and free lunches necessarily — though those are nice too! One of the advantages of having a multicultural team is that it opens up opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and higher efficiency. A diverse workforce means combining many cultures, different experiences, and diverse ideas with each other. This combination adds a different dimension to your team performance. Your company’s culture can celebrate individuals and their differences even in small ways, such as recognizing holidays like Diwali for your Hindu employees.

Culture starts at the top with your executive team setting expectations for employees and creating a foundation for success. The attitudes of company leadership will naturally cascade to the rest of your team. Your culture’s goal is ultimately to keep a team engaged, motivated, and productive, so speaking their language is crucial. Language services are helpful for onboarding and training new employees. They can be given a choice either to speak in their native language or continue with something that’s more widely spoken in a broader sense, such as English or Spanish.

Among leaders in your organization, there should be education and a learning mindset toward understanding common aspects of each nationality represented within your team. For example, German and Japanese citizens may tend to be more serious, literal, and consistent, while Spanish or Canadian employees might use more humor, sarcasm, or teasing when communicating.

Language Can Be an Obstacle or an Opportunity

While languages are usually considered an obstacle to communication for multicultural teams, they can also create opportunities. Communication breakdowns can create tension and a lack of trust among those who don’t speak the same language. Both language and cultural barriers can slow a team down and increase the cost of decision-making. Built into your company culture is an understanding that there are nuances of communicating in a way that everybody understands. So how do you attract and retain top talent despite native language differences?

Attracting Multicultural Team Members

A diverse workforce is a key contributor to business success. Attracting and retaining talent from diverse backgrounds will be essential for many companies in the future. In addition, it can help you win new business and make your brand more culturally inclusive.

Here are a few ways to you can attract multicultural talent:

• Create tailored recruiting messaging to attract more candidates and make it easy for applicants to apply.
• Be proactive about reaching out and trying to attract multicultural candidates to your company for a variety of positions. At the very least, you can post openings on social media, and share job descriptions on these sites as well.
• Consider getting involved in organizations specifically geared to attracting global employees. It will help put you in front of people who may not have thought about applying to your company before, or might not have heard about it through other means.
• The first step is to listen, or rather hear. Once you know what they are looking for in an employer and their career intentions, you’ll be able to decide how your company can become a better fit for them. Depending on the kind of job description you need to find a candidate for, you can then recruit in specific countries/regions or search globally by using industry-specific job boards.
• Provide onboarding/training and HR documents in native languages
• Attempt to minimize the language barrier by designating one that everyone speaks as a first or second language (English, French, another internationally known language).
• Let the team know that it’s alright to ask others to repeat things. And it shouldn’t be seen as offensive to ask someone to repeat something since accents and proficiency are not perfect for anyone.
• For “intensive” meetings with ESL employees, consider having a remote interpreter available to help speed up the process and allow everyone to feel understood (without repeating)

Language services can be used for diverse workforces to Attracting/Hiring/Onboarding. As a result, it’s wise to keep a few key things in mind during your hiring process.

In your job posting:

• open up the eligibility beyond your country’s borders (if the position is remote),
• discuss the culturally rich company culture that already exists
• highlight accessibility resources such as having remote interpreters available and documents translated

During the interview:

• focus on experience, performance in the interview (e.g. communication skills, openness, etc.),
• qualifications, eligibility for work visa permit, and language proficiency
• if the candidate is an ESL speaker, consider translating the emails into their native language

Conclusion

Language Services provide you with a way to attract and retain a top-notch team. We can help you find workers that match your culture, keeping employees happy while they contribute to your success. You’ve built a great business, and now your company is ready to reach the next level. But you need multilingual employees who can communicate in more than one language!

When your HR team partners with SpokenHere Language Services, we provide the interpreters and translations needed to attract top talent. This keeps your costs low so you can focus on running your business.

At SpokenHere, we love languages and celebrate different cultures everyday. We know that a multicultural team brings new perspectives from around the world, which can lead to better problem-solving, more innovation, and cohesion. If you’re ready to discover how we can help you YOUR business, get in touch with us! You’re a few quick steps away from setting the foundation for a successful, multicultural team!

The post Attracting and Retaining a Multicultural Team appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

Branching out into new markets – whether internationally or within diverse domestic regions – offers incredible opportunities, but it also demands a thoughtful communication strategy. In today’s globalized economy, localized cultural knowledge isn’t just valuable: it’s essential. This is especially true when your target audience speaks a different language or holds cultural perspectives distinct from your current customer base.

Far too often, companies assume that machine translation or a simple word-for-word approach will suffice. The results? Campaigns that miss the mark – or worse, cause offense. Effective global marketing isn’t just about language; it’s about understanding and aligning with the social values, humor, idioms, technological trends, and even legislation of the market you’re entering. Without this, your message may lose its meaning entirely.

That’s where transcreation becomes the “icon-maker” of global marketing campaigns.

Transcreation (and localization) services ensure your brand’s story stays authentic while resonating with a cross-cultural audience, creatively adapting content to cultural contexts. As you’ll see in the lackluster – to outright disastrous – marketing blunders outlined below, failing to prioritize professional transcreation services can lead to costly communication mistakes that your company will regret.

Don’t make the same mistake – let’s explore the differences between transcreation and translation and why AI alone can’t be trusted to ensure your message lands with impact:

How is Transcreation Different Than Translation?

There is much more to communication than just language. From body language to social cues, there are countless nuanced elements that contribute to the meaning of a message, and they can vary greatly from one culture to another.

Transcreation goes beyond word-for-word translation by creatively reimagining marketing content to ensure it connects with audiences on a cultural and emotional level. It’s not just about words, but rather about crafting the right message for the right culture.

Transcreation Defined

The term “transcreation” is a hybrid between “translation” and “creation” and involves rewriting a message to adapt it to a specific culture or target audience, taking the linguistic process of localization a step further and focusing specifically on the best, culturally-relevant method to convey the content itself.

A Note On Localization:
Localization is the process of adapting each element of your messaging to your target audience so it can reflect the needs, interests, and context of people in that specific area/group. Localization requires a deep understanding of the wider culture of your target audience.
A few of the biggest areas addressed in localization are: (1) Idioms, Sayings & Slang, (2) Humor, (3) Culturally Confusing or Offensive Imagery, and (4) Culturally-Rooted Scenarios.
You’ll need experienced translators who have first-hand expertise in the target culture and who also have technical knowledge in the field.

In order to adapt the most creative content elements of a marketing campaign such as the slogans, taglines, jokes, symbols, storytelling, and even emojis for a cross-cultural target audience, language professionals who are experts at the transcreation process must sometimes choose new words, images, and symbols entirely different from the original marketing campaign’s branded elements.

For example, in Japan, parents don’t use the story of a stork delivering babies to explain how their child “arrived.” Instead, they tend to explain that a baby came from a giant floating peach. Since using imagery or messaging that portrayed a stork delivering a baby would be confusing and irrelevant in Japan, transcreated content would use a peach in place of a stork and adapt the storyline where needed. Word-for-word, non-localized translation, however, would have botched the marketing campaign with stork imagery and words that didn’t convey the business’ accurate content.

5 Shocking Examples of Big Companies Making Marketing Blunders

Believe it or not, cross-cultural marketing blunders are remarkably common and show a lack of localization and transcreation prioritization. Even big companies with extensive resources are not immune to these kinds of mistakes despite the headache they can cause after a global or multicultural audience is negatively impacted by botched marketing campaigns.

1. IKEA’s Fartfull debacle

Although “fartfull” just means “speedy” in Swedish, IKEA’s unfortunately-named children’s desk had a very different impact in the U.S. market. U.S. consumers were startled (and a bit amused) by the gassy name of this desk!
What caused it:

• Lack of market research
• Lack of cultural awareness
• Cutting corners during the translation process

How to avoid making the same mistakes: A professional translator would have instantly spotted the error in this product name, and could have informed IKEA that it may not go over well in the U.S. market. Localization and transcreation services would have then be able to adapt the content and messaging to ones less odorous to U.S. parents.

2. Sankt Hedwig Hospital improperly implants knee prosthetics

Among the more upsetting outcomes on this list in 2006 and 2007, a translation error led to a series of failed knee replacement surgeries in Germany. Knee prosthesis packages that were made in the U.S. were incorrectly labeled by hospital staff using the the German equivalent that means “non-cemented” instead of “non-modular cemented.” Surgeons, who were misled by the incorrectly translated label, left knees without the necessary support and had to perform reparation surgeries on 47 patients!
What caused it:

• Inaccurate/incomplete translation
• Use of internal staff instead of a professional translator
• Lack of oversight

How to avoid making the same mistakes: Again, a professional translator would instantly have caught this serious mistake. At the very least, an expert translator with technical medical knowledge should have been consulted to proof the label translation instead of relying on in-house bilingual employees and/or machine translation.

3. HSBC’s tagline becomes a $10 million dollar mistake

When HSBC Holdings launched their “Assume Nothing” campaign to U.S. markets, the ambiguous headline proved largely effective. In foreign markets, however, the slogan translated roughly to “do nothing”. The ambiguity of the campaign was completely lost on international audiences, and even counter-productive to the goals of the marketing effort.
What caused it:

• A lack of transcreation services when expanding into a new global market
• Failure to apply localization to the marketing campaign

How to avoid making the same mistakes: A team of professional translators who were knowledgeable in the nuances of the target languages would have used transcreation to adjust the content to connect with international consumers. After having to redo and relaunch their marketing campaign, HSBC spent an additional $10 million to bring its campaign back to the international market in a way that would resonate with potential customers.

4. Amazon’s Swedish Website’s Embarrassing Launch

Yes, even the biggest companies on earth have made some major cultural marketing blunders. When Amazon launched the Swedish version of its website in 2020, the machine-translated site that went live was a hodgepodge of translation and localization disasters. Not only did the site mistake the Argentinian flag for the Swedish flag, but also many products had embarrassingly inaccurate descriptions as well. The word rooster, for example, was replaced with the Swedish word for male genitalia!
What caused it:

• An overreliance on machine translation
• A failure to consult human translators before publishing the live website

How to avoid making the same mistakes: There is still no replacement for human translators! Automated tools like Google Translate are notorious for missing context and other devastating mistakes. A human translator has a much deeper understanding of cultural context and can adapt content accurately.

5. Coca-Cola’s (Freudian?) Slip in New Zealand and Marketing Failure in China

In New Zealand…

Even though Coco-Cola has been responsive for some of the most impactful marketing campaigns, two of their digital expansions into different markets caused costly mistakes and serve as prime examples of marketing campaigns gone awry without localization and transcreation services.

Coca-Cola’s attempt to combine Māori, the New Zealand indigenous language, and English, resulted in a horrible misfire. The company inadvertently wrote “Hello, Death” in Te reo Māori, on a vending machine full of it’s products. Not the drink anyone wants!

Coca-Cola thought the use of “mate” was safe because of its use as a friendly term in English-speaking local cultures of the region. But in Māori the word “mate” literally means death.

In China…

Coca-Cola’s attempt to localize its brand in China initially backfired due to a poor Mandarin translation. The company used the phrase “Ke-Kou-Ke-La,” which unintentionally translated to “bite the wax tadpole.” Unsurprisingly, the campaign failed to resonate with consumers. Coca-Cola quickly corrected the mistake by adopting “Ko-Kou-Ko-Le,” which translates to “happiness in the mouth,” ultimately salvaging the brand’s image in the market.
What caused it:

• Cutting corners and not consulting translators with knowledge of the target language
• Lack of quality assurance/oversight of finished translation

How to avoid making the same mistakes: Quality assurance provided by a language professional with actual knowledge of the target languages could have saved Coca-Cola from enormous headaches. Cutting corners rarely pays off when it comes to cross-cultural advertising!

When You Need an Icon-Maker, Choose Translators Who Are Localization and Transcreation Experts

When expanding to a foreign or even domestic market where your audience speaks a different language, it’s no time to cut corners. Failure to take context and cultural differences into consideration when creating your messages for that new audience can cause embarrassment and long-lasting damage. This is especially true in our digital landscape and age of social media influencers, where a marketing misstep can spread like wildfire before your organization has the time to pivot.

The solution is simple: hire a language services provider who has an intricate knowledge of localization and transcreation. Using experts who can accurately translate or interpret your messages to customers and employees in a new market will tremendously impact your success.

If you are in need of a language services provider who will partner with you to avoid cultural marketing blunders, we’d like to be that partner. Start a conversation with us today to learn more about how we can help your company expand to new markets successfully.

The post Transcreation: The “Icon-Maker” of Global Marketing Campaigns appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

Is your business building relationships? You’re likely providing a valuable product or service to your customers, but in our increasingly multilingual business world, you’ll need more than that to build relationships with your customer base. In fact, if you’re not serving customers in their native language, odds are that you’re losing clients and revenue regardless of the quality of your product.

Market data consistently suggests that a good product is often not enough to retain customers, clients, or patients (depending on your type of organization). For individuals with limited English proficiency, building trust and rapport requires interacting with them in the language they are most comfortable with.

If you’re not offering multilingual customer support, here are a few things to consider:

• 68% of customers leave companies that they feel do not care about them

• Showing customers you value and appreciate them builds customer loyalty. When you can keep your existing customers, and develop a relationship with them, you generate greater customer satisfaction. Companies with more happy customers tend to have better online reviews and feedback, and are more likely to get the attention of new customers. This is especially true in a day and age when over 75% of shoppers consult reviews before even considering a company!

Here are a few statistics to show you how vital clear communication is to customer satisfaction when customers have limited English proficiency (LEP):

• 57% of global customers expect brands to have their services in their native language.

• 68% of customers showed preference for companies with multilingual customer support in their native language.

• Two-thirds of companies said that culture and language barriers made it harder for their companies to enter new markets.

Given the data, it’s not hard to see why the shift towards multilingual solutions is becoming essential. Here’s how it works…

What do we mean by multilingual solutions?  

Simply put, a multilingual solution makes it as easy as possible for someone to engage with your business at every step of the process. For someone with limited English proficiency, the ability to navigate your website and engage with customer support, all in their native language, cultivates greater trust, comfort, and satisfaction.

Communicating with prospects and clients in their native or preferred language can also help you to expand your client base and improve existing relationships. Providing multilingual support demonstrates that you value your LEP client’s comfort and input.

 If your service is in the healthcare industry, then LEP patients need to communicate their needs and clearly understand the doctor’s recommendations. The existence of language barriers can even be a danger to an LEP patient in medical crisis. That’s why translated medical documents and access to an interpreter are crucial.

And the list goes on!

•  Providing energy solutions? Then global customers expect communications to be available in their language.
• Working in community development? Then it’s vital for multicultural community members to feel welcomed into the conversation.
• Offering a tech service? Then your website and customer service need to serve customers in their native language to allow seamless navigation and use of your product.

Ways to Improve Client Experience by Offering Multilingual Solutions 

So you’ve identified your organization’s need for multilingual customer support and other solutions, but what does this look like in practice? Here are some examples of multilingual solutions that can elevate your relationship with LEP customers.

1. Translate proposals, contracts, sales documents, etc. to your customer’s native language. Our client Results Physiotherapy did it, and look at their results!

2. Provide/offer interpreters for sales pitch meetings; this can be done remotely or in-person depending on the situation. Recently, one of our international customers decided to utilize our Simultaneous Remote Interpreters when pitching their service to an important potential client. Even though they had internal employees outside the sales team that spoke the potential client’s language, they chose to use a professional interpreter so they could still use their top sales presenters for the pitch – just with a simultaneous French “voiceover.” And it worked! They won the contract and are now using remote interpreting for all of the follow up, onboarding, and training for their new client.

3. Provide/offer interpreters and translated supporting materials for onboarding and training. Listen to a first-hand account of how SpokenHere used translation to help Monogram Foods build better relationships with their LEP workforce.

4. Provide a translated and localized website. Localization is a vital component to translation in general, but especially for website and marketing translations.  Localization takes your translation one step further by taking specific cultural/”local” ideas and wording into consideration so your message is relevant as well as NOT offensive.

5. Offer remote interpreting for customer service calls and in-person client meetings. This can be especially vital for non-profit
s and healthcare organizations that work with at-risk individuals, such as our client Youth Villages. Here’s an example of how they use SpokenHere to provide multilingual solutions, such as 24/7 on demand remote interpreting for their victim hotlines and translated flyers and documents to inform LEP individuals of their vital support services. Our client Axiom Medical also had great success after adding remote interpretation for their telehealth services: their call volume increased by 1,650% after introducing multilingual customer support!

6. Send fully translated appreciation messages, or even just add a short, personal note in their native language to show you care.

 These are just a few examples of how effective multilingual solutions can have an impact on your LEP customers. The list of unique ways that multilingual support helps you to build relationships with your customers is fairly endless!

 So What’s Next? 

 If an English-speaking organization fails to provide multilingual service options they are isolating nearly 80% of the world’s population. That’s too many potential customers to be disconnected from, especially when multilingual organizations consistently show higher customer satisfaction scores and brand loyalty.

 How can you start offering multilingual solutions in your own organization? Start by talking with us about your specific needs, your team, your goals, and most importantly… your customers. At SpokenHere, we deliver authentic language services in over 250 languages (to over 2000 clients on 6 continents), for organizations just like yours. Let us show you what multilingual solutions can do for you!

The post Show Your Clients Love with Multilingual Solutions appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

We’ve all heard of it: Google Translate.

Since it’s conception in 2006, Google Translate has been used by millions of people attempting to translate unfamiliar languages into their own native tongue. It’s not hard to see why “smart” translators are so popular! It’s free, it’s easy to use, and it’s right at your finger tips.

So why not use tools like Google Translate for everything? The reality is that it lacks many of the nuanced understandings that a human translator has, leading to regular errors. Don’t believe us? Here are some unintentionally hilarious outcomes of using Google Translate!

 What Are Some Funny Google Translate Fails? 

One of the most common fumbles by Google Translate is with figures of speech. A human translator would find a fitting way to communicate the IDEA of the phrase in a way that makes sense in the target culture’s context, but Google Translate… not so much.

Here are a few examples of figures of speech in the English language that Google Translate could not make “heads or tails” of.

1. The English-language phrase “in the black” refers to a business having positive growth on its balance sheets. If a business is in the black, that means they’re healthy and making a profit. But when translated to German…

Google Translate mistranslated this as “in the dark”, which is… well… not what you want your business to be.

2. Similarly, the English figure-of-speech “cat got your tongue?” normally refers to being at a loss for words. But when Google Translate attempts to convert the phrase to Spanish it comes up with “cat ATE your tongue”. Happy Halloween everyone?

3. Another humorous example, shared by a user on Quora, refers to the Finnish holiday Shrovetide. A human translator wrote the sentence “On Shrove Tuesday, Finns go sledding and eat shrove buns, which contain, among other things, whipped cream”. When entered into Google Translate, however, Google produces “On Easter day, Finns go sleds and eat a hangover bun, which contains whipped cream, among other things”. Or Arabic, which Google translates to “On Oral Tuesday, Finns go sledding and eating pea bread, which includes whipped cream”.

We don’t know about you, but we’ll probably skip the hangover buns and pea bread next Shrovetide.

4. While the previous mistakes are mostly innocent and harmless, they can become more troublesome when they’re made by public services, medical professionals, or government!

In one recent instance from this past January the Virginia Department of Health used Google Translate to translate its vaccine info into Spanish. Instead of saying “the vaccine is not required”, Google mistranslated to “the vaccine is not necessary”.

One can imagine that raised a few eyebrows for Spanish-speakers seeking some clarity! Yikes!

 What Happens When You Switch Between Multiple Languages?  

You break Google Translate, that’s what! One of our favorite YouTube channels is Twisted Translations, in which the video creator puts popular songs, recipes, instructional guides, and other texts through a few layers of Google Translate with hilarious results!

See an example below, aptly entitled “Google Translate Makes Breakfast”.

With each switch from one language to the next, Google Translate’s failure to process the sentences correctly makes the meaning very convoluted.

This is why it’s so important to get a human translator for your video captions and other transcripts!

 Human Translators Are Your Friend 

So what’s the main takeaway? Language is complicated and differences in culture are even more so. Google Translate cannot process the nuances that professional translators can.

While Google Translate HAS improved in recent years, it still fails to structure sentences correctly and adjust for context in ways that are at best embarrassing, and at worst completely offensive. That’s why it’s crucial that you use a human, professional translator for anything beyond casual use. A human translator, for example, would know enough about Shrovetide to explain it in a way that makes sense to the listener! Human translators also have an understanding of unspoken cues that lead to better clarity.

If you’re in need of translation help, from website translation to video captions, SpokenHere has you covered. Take a look at some of the translation services we provide, in more than 200 languages and dialects, and don’t leave your next project up to Google Translate!

The post Unintentionally Hilarious Outcomes of Google Translate appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

This story is a perfect example of how words and phrases can differ in meaning depending on which location or culture they are used, or their “locale” – that’s localization. Even though the two students spoke a common language, the American could have used some pointers on how to localize his English for the UK to help him avoid this situation.

What is Localization and How Does it Differ from Translation?

Localization is sometimes confused with translation, but these terms actually mean two different things. Translation is part of localization, though localization is more comprehensive.

Translation involves converting a message from one language into another so that the meaning is the same. Translation includes grammar and spelling differences which can differ by the geographical location.

Localization is a more involved process that takes cultural, linguistic, and non-textual components into consideration when adapting a message, product, or service for another country or locale. A locale is a combination of a language and the physical place where it is spoken.

Localization is about much more than rewriting text into a different language, because it focuses on adapting your complete message to a specific audience and location. It addresses other aspects such as adapting graphics, using appropriate date and time formats, and adopting cultural references, among many other details.

Why is Localization Important?

In basic terms, localization is important because it makes your message better understood and more appealing to your intended audience. For example, Spanish is spoken in many countries, but localized content for Mexico would be different from localized content for Cuba or Spain. Just like in our opening story, miscommunication can happen when you use the wrong version of a term or saying for the location you are in. These language differences can make a big impact on the acceptance of your message. In some cases, it can impact safety.

Localizing content can help an organization expand its reach to a new audience, build loyalty among existing customers, and increase sales. Localization makes a product or service and the content surrounding it more engaging, which results in a higher return on your investment. It also allows an organization to communicate better and build loyalty among your geographically dispersed workforce or domestic employees who are more comfortable communicating in another language.

According to a 2014 Common Sense Advisory report, 75 percent of consumers said they were more likely to purchase goods and services if the corresponding product information is in their native language. And in another survey, half of senior executives said they believed localization leads to profitability and growth.

What Needs to be Localized?

There are many pieces of your communication that need to be localized beyond just using local terminology or words. Some of these include:

• Colors – They can have various meanings, depending on the target audience. In some countries, red expresses danger, white is associated with death, and orange expresses mourning and loss.
• Layout & Formatting – Some languages need more space than others to express the same concepts. Translation from English into other languages, for example, can result in the text taking up 30% to 100% more space. Elements such as dates, addresses, and phone numbers also need to be formatted to match your audience’s expectations.
• Visual Aides – Adapting photos and other visual aides to local cultures is a must-do.
• Units of Measurement – Most countries use the metric system, so converting units of measurements will be necessary to make content easy to follow for each specific locale.
• Currencies – Prices and monetary amounts may need to be converted from your base currency. Make it easy for potential buyers to make buying decisions and for business contacts negotiating contracts or navigating employment terms.
• Contracts, HR Documentation, Training Materials – When doing business or managing a workforce in foreign countries, you need to comply with local regulations and conventions to avoid legal implications or productivity issues.
• Content – Certain subjects may be taboo or handled very differently in another locale. Other expressions such as local idioms and cultural references also need to be localized to make sense for your target audience.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Localization Service?

Localizing your translation project might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. SpokenHere’s full-service language services team is experienced in producing high-quality, localized projects on time and on budget. SpokenHere has the expertise and technology to handle any type or size of localization project, from websites, to employee documentation, to technical documentation, multimedia, voiceovers, training and eLearning, and marketing materials. Our localization services can help you expand your reach and make your customers and employees feel more at home.

The post Language Localization: Getting Your Translation Project Right appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

Depending on bilingual employees as interpreters or translators in work environments is tempting, but risky.

When healthcare employees are your bilingual work policy or you use language apps, there are hidden costs. These quick-fix options carry risks and potential public healthcare policy issues – unlike the reliability, accuracy, and compassion of partnering with on-call, expert language professionals.

When leading an organization in any sector, saving money by handling tasks in-house rather than hiring outside experts can provide a sense of fiscal responsibility.And, often, this mindset is beneficial for a business’ budget. However, when working with international clients, non-native language speakers, or at-risk and vulnerable populations, these budget-friendly efforts can lead to bigger problems and unintended consequences.

For instance, free and charitable clinics serve as vital resources for communities, especially for non-English-speaking (NES) and limited-English-proficiency (LEP) patients who need reliable access to healthcare. Non-profit clinics often feel the need to stretch their budgets by relying on shortcuts such as bilingual healthcare staff. All business owners – especially in the non-profit sector – understand these budgetary constraints.

However, costly errors can occur in patient care, leading to severe health consequences, when a provider isn’t able to communicate with a patient empathically, accurately, and in a timely manner. Additionally, healthcare policy (and federal funding) often hinge upon the presence of a professional interpreter versus the skill of a bilingual employee.

Here’s a closer look at the benefits of professional remote interpreting and translation – and the hidden costs that partnering with expert language professionals can help professional organizations and charitable clinics avoid:

Hidden Costs of Relying on Bilingual Staff and Language Apps

1. Loss of Productivity for Bilingual Staff

Most of the time, a bilingual employee is not on staff as a full-time interpreter or translator. Instead, he or she regularly works in some other capacity within their industry, and their expertise is unrelated to interpreting. When you pull that employee away to provide language services, they lose time and rhythm in the role for which they were hired. This can result in a work backlog, missed deadlines, or even poor performance because of the break in their concentration.

In the healthcare industry, many clinics depend on their healthcare providers and bilingual employees to assist with NES and LEP patient communication. While organizations in all industries can suffer when bilingual employees are asked to step in and interpret for clients, the risks are greater in a healthcare work setting when patients’ lives are at stake.

Loss of productivity (perhaps one of the more noticeable, but less life-threatening risks of using bilingual employees as interpreters on a day-to-day basis) in a healthcare setting can slow down clinic workplace operations, creating longer wait times for patients and reducing the clinic’s capacity for other tasks. Over time, this constant disruption can actually increase operational costs more than expected, as well.

2. Errors and Misunderstandings with Automated Translation Tools

With advancements in technology and AI, translation apps and tools may seem like an attractive and inexpensive solution. However, becoming a professional interpreter or translator requires much more than simply being bilingual. Trained language professionals are experienced in communicating information accurately between two languages, and they understand the impact of cultural nuances. Additionally, they often have extensive knowledge of the subject matter for assignments they work on.

Incorrect interpretations or missing information can lead to unsafe or undesirable conditions in the workplace. Language service firms typically also carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance to cover any deficiencies in the very rare event they occur. Without this E&O insurance, organizations run the risk of increased financial liability if their in-house or quick-fix language solution is in error.

Federal funding can also be lost in some situations if you do not provide your client or patient with a qualified interpreter – not just a bilingual employee lacking the current public healthcare policy’s additional certifications and trainings – who is fully equipped to provide your client/patient with meaningful language access.

“Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act prohibit entities receiving federal financial assistance from discrimination on the basis of, among other things, race, color, national origin, and disability. This means covered entities must provide an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs; communications with individuals with disabilities must be as effective as with others; and reasonable steps must be taken to provide meaningful access to people with LEP. Obligations to take steps to provide meaningful access to individuals with LEP also apply to subrecipients of federal financial assistance, who must similarly comply with all applicable civil rights laws.”
–HHS Language Access Plan 2023 policy for bilingual employees and language access

Especially in healthcare contexts, AI tools aren’t specialized for patient care and lack the nuance that can be critical for accurate communication. Even minor misunderstandings can lead to costly mistakes, affecting patient care and risking liability for the clinic. In contrast, a professional remote interpreter is trained to understand and translate complex medical terminology with cultural sensitivity, ensuring that patients fully understand their treatment plans and that healthcare providers receive accurate information from patients.

3. Inflexible Access and Scheduling Limitations

Without a professional language service partner, businesses must rely on apps and the schedules of bilingual employees. While some business sectors may not struggle with this issue as frequently, many non-profit organizations serving at-risk populations need interpretation services available whenever a client or patient 24/7.

When clinics rely on in-house bilingual staff or community volunteers, they’re often bound by strict schedules of their staff. This limitation can result in patients having to reschedule appointments, which not only creates frustration for patients but also impacts the clinic’s efficiency and patient flow. In emergency situations, the consequences can be even more dire if there is not an interpreter on-hand to communicate with the patient.

4. Privacy Violations

Privacy is of the utmost priority for businesses nowadays, particularly for those in the healthcare, human resources, and social service industries. If you pull in a bilingual employee to interpret for a fellow co-worker, that co-worker’s personal information can be at risk of becoming known within your organization.

Professional interpreters are bound by a code of ethics, which contains very strict rules on confidentiality, and many are trained and certified to comply with HIPAA rules governing personal health data. In clinic settings, this is vitally important.

5. Damage to Your Organization’s Reputation

Miscommunication from untrained personnel or non-expert bilingual individuals has the potential to harm your business’ reputation, as clear communication is at the core of every business interaction. Whether you are presenting a sales pitch, onboarding a new client, or providing any other form of written or verbal communication, language barriers can limit you tremendously during initial conversations and damage your business’ reputation during unintentional miscommunication disasters.

By partnering with a professional interpreter or language service, you communicate to your LEP customers, patients and the public that you care enough to communicate clearly and professionally. In a marketing campaign, you communicate that you care about your target audience’s culture and values. You also communicate to your own bilingual employees in healthcare and other industries that you understand current language access policies and value the reasons behind their requirements.

Even if your prospective LEP customers have a basic understanding of English, building a successful relationship with them will be nearly impossible while language barriers persist. To break down those language barriers, a business will need the help of professional interpreters and translators.

Professional Language Services are an Investment that Reduces Long-Term Costs

While expert interpretation and translation services carry an upfront or additional cost, they can reduce long-term expenses associated with errors, miscommunication, staff inefficiencies, and patient scheduling conflicts.

For free and charitable clinics, maximizing resources is critical – but cutting costs in language services by using bilingual employees without certifications and extensive training or free apps may have detrimental and far-reaching consequences. By investing in professional language services, clinics can reduce hidden costs, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately offer a better experience for their NES patients.

Imagine being in a critical situation where understanding every word is vital – whether it’s navigating a medical emergency or finalizing an international business deal. In moments like these, remote interpreters and language translators are the unseen heroes, providing meaningful communication.

Partner with SpokenHere Interpreters & Translators

At SpokenHere, our global team of remote interpreters and specialized translators stands ready to help your organization communicate effectively in over 300 languages and dialects. Our experts understand the nuances of sensitive conversations, whether in healthcare, legal, or business settings, and they approach each interaction with care and professionalism.

Ready to build relationships with meaningful communication? Reach out today to schedule a consultation and discover how our services can support your needs.

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