The dynamic and fast-paced world of construction in the United States shapes our sense of society’s progress and our daily lives. “It is one of the most essential industries in the United States and the world,” (Arnholz). The same can be said about non-English speaking workers in this industry. They are essential to its continuity and growth. Therefore, the importance of effective communication in construction cannot be overlooked. If a project is delayed due to misunderstandings arising from language barriers costs can start ramping up. Unfortunately, this isn’t a hypothetical situation—it’s a reality for many construction companies operating in today’s global market.
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Avoid Miscommunication by Assessing Your Employees’ Language Skills
“People working in the construction industry were more likely than the employed overall to be foreign born. In 2020, 25.3 percent of construction industry workers were foreign born, higher than the figure of 16.8 percent for the total employed,” (Gallagher). By assessing the language proficiency of current and potential employees, construction companies can avoid costly errors and ensure seamless communication on the job site. “Properly conveyed safety protocols, emergency procedures, and real-time hazard warnings can significantly reduce the incidence of workplace accidents,” (Romford).
Consider the case of a multinational construction company expanding its operations to a Spanish-speaking country. Apex Construction, known for its innovative projects and commitment to quality, began preparations for the expansion. However, as the project progressed, they encountered a significant challenge: language barriers between managers, engineers, and local workers. Despite their expertise in construction management, important instructions, project specifications, and safety protocols were lost in translation, leading to delays in the construction process. Without language proficiency, misunderstandings lead to rework, and financial losses.
In response to this challenge, Apex Construction can partner with Language Testing International® (LTI), a leading language assessment provider, to identify specific language needs and develop targeted training for their team members. Through a partnership with LTI, Apex Construction can experience remarkable improvements in communication among their team members. Partnering will prove to be instrumental in project managers and engineers understanding local workers’ feedback leading to smoother project progress and paving the way for a successful expansion.
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Bilingual Workforce
According to a survey conducted for ACTFL, employers in the construction sector (35 percent) as well as employers in the professional and technical services sector (29 percent) are most likely to be unable to pursue or have lost a business opportunity due to a lack of foreign language skills. Construction companies can unlock the full potential of their workforce and confidently pursue opportunities in new markets by integrating bilingual and multilingual professionals able to use their language skills to navigate cultural nuances, build rapport with clients, partners, and stakeholders, and drive business growth.
LTI, the exclusive licensee of ACTFL, has recognized that bilingualism is a superpower in the construction industry for decades. Construction companies should not underestimate the importance of language proficiency. By partnering with LTI, they can identify language gaps and provide targeted training to bridge them, ultimately streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency. Contact LTI today and witness the transformational power of ACTFL language proficiency assessments for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is a valid solution that empowers construction companies to mitigate risk and achieve success on a global scale.
Sources:
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Lead with Languages Campaign commissioned Ipsos Public Affairs, with the support of Pearson LLC and Language Testing International. (2019). “Making Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers.” https://www.actfl.org/uploads/files/general/MakingLanguagesOurBusiness_FullReport.pdf
Arnholz, Jonathan. “Why Construction Is The Backbone Of America.” October 11, 2022. BYF, Build Your Future. https://www.byf.org/why-construction-is-the-backbone-of-america/
Gallagher, Claire McAnaw. “The Construction Industry; Characteristics of the Employed, 2003-20.” April 2022. Spotlight on Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/spotlight/2022/the-construction-industry-labor-force-2003-to-2020/
Romford, Jill. “Communication in Construction Industry – A Guide for Managers.” AgilityPortal. Sep 12, 2023. Last updated: Sep 12, 2023. https://agilityportal.io/blog/communication-in-construction-industry-a-guide-for-managers.
