One of the biggest challenges that cleaning and building maintenance workers face is communication. In fact, any sector of the larger hospitality industry (like restaurants, hotels etc) experiences similar communication problems. In fact, around 60% of the United States hospitality industry workforce, includes non-native English speakers. And yet, this hasn't stopped cleaning and building maintenance companies from moving forward. Especially when we provide a customized English training experience.
Because even if workers don't have any experience speaking English, clear instructions can still be given before arriving to a worksite. And managers can still be made to be available, just in case questions arise while on site. All of this preparation - and even going so far as to color code equipment - doesn't stop issues from happening. Because there are a million things that can go wrong, that you also can't prepare for. In particular, the spontaneous situations that require communication with clients or building staff.
If your cleaning or building maintenance business hires employees who speak little to no English, you are probably aware that they are struggling to communicate. But if you notice that struggle, so do your clients. Which means that it's more than just an inconvenience when it could be affecting your clients' satisfaction. A lack of which directly affects your business' reputation, and especially the confidence of your LEP employees themselves (who are Limited English Proficient).
4 Ways our online English training benefits your cleaning and building maintenance business
1. We can help lower your cost with grant assistance
An investment into employee English training can absolutely feel like a financial stretch. Especially post COVID-19, when profit margins are tight across many employment sectors. We can help your business to secure funding through the workforce language training grant. Which can cover some - if not all of your language training for ESL employees.
2. A curriculum a unique as your workforce
There are similar programs online- but they are cheaper for a reason. Because they are generic, and can't meet all of your specific business needs. Our expert instructors will meet with your leaders and craft a customized English curriculum based on the specific challenges they have identified.
This means your ESL employees will only be learning what is relevant to them and their jobs. We can even emphasize professional skills like confirming details, ordering supplies, or understanding client instructions. We also adjust the pace of learning to match your employees' professional communication skills level. So you might have a few with a basic understanding of English, and others needing more advanced support. We can devise a curriculum that is specific to everyone's needs.
3. Improved safety
Commercial cleaning companies, housekeeping, building maintenance and janitorial services are different sectors of the hospitality industry. Handling harsh chemicals, and operating machinery in client spaces is part of the job description. If ESL employees can't understand safety instructions or communicate problems, it puts everyone in the space at risk.
English language training for LEP employees (who have a Limited English Proficiency) must be able to explain where and which toxic chemicals spilled. They must be able to alert people nearby if the floor is slippery to avoid a potentially dangerous situations.
4. Improved confidence
Clients expect professionalism from any service provider, and professional communication is absolutely part of that. In a working environment, being asked to call someone's supervisor, just to communicate their needs, can feel like they are getting someone in trouble. It can even stop people from communicating a nice message, like "feel free to take home that leftover pizza in the kitchen."
Improving your ESL workers' confidence with English training for work can do wonders for your business. They will go to work feeling more comfortable talking to people, and more capable. Their clients will also feel more secure communicating their needs, which leads to better results and a better reputation for your business.
Our interactive and engaging In-Person and Online Corporate Language Training provides English Classes for Companies online and on-site with live highly qualified native-speaking language instructors. We offer Real-Time Private and Group Corporate English Language Training. Get a Free Quote for your Industry Specific Onsite or Online Corporate English Training for employees.
