Mothers in Business network together with Manifold More project from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) organized an event “How can language awareness enrich work communities?”
In this blog post, we present some inspirational thoughts from the event’s discussions.
Equal and non-discriminating society?
Language awareness is an important topic often discussed together with DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). DEI is a trending term for a very good reason. In an equal and non-discriminating society, different population groups and genders are represented in different organizations and job roles.
However, in the FinMonik-study, language difficulties were the most experienced obstacle to employment. Up to half of those with foreign background consider lack of Finnish or Swedish language skills as an obstacle to employment. Indeed, according to At home in Finland report fewer than one in four recruiters are ready to hire someone who does not have fluent Finnish skills.
Language-aware systems
Language awareness is one concrete solution to create more inclusive workplaces. Language awareness is created and forms in interaction. For example, THL’s Migration and Cultural diversity team has formally agreed together that the team members can communicate in Finnish and English with each other.
The experiences non-Finnish speakers have with individuals do not seem to be the issue. Often the language barriers occur within the systems: teams, units, recruitment processes, institutions, and the bureaucracies.
Individuals can change the systems.
Language learning can and should take place at work
Organizations: Any employer with thirty or more employees is required to have an equality and equity plan in place. This should have concrete actions for achieving change within the organizations. Invest in language learning and offer incentives, such as in-house language courses during working hours.
HR: Workplace diversity begins with recruitment. Read, create and put into use diversity promoting recruitment methods. Specifically, examine the required language skills for each position critically. Is fluent Finnish or Swedish really needed or could one successfully do the job with developing language skills?
Finnish and Swedish-speaking colleagues: Support and encourage your colleagues with developing language skills. For example, talk clearly, talk slowly, and use simple words and terms instead of idioms and fast pace.
Non-Finnish-or-Swedish-speaking colleagues: Ask your colleagues to speak slowly and ask questions when something is unclear. Take your time and speak in Finnish often, even if it is not grammatically correct.
Together: Create a psychologically safe environment, where perfection is not needed and questions can be asked. Take time to know your colleagues and build your teams through weekly casual meetings and team building days.
Language awareness on everyone’s agenda
It is important to take the time to make everyone feel included. Question the norms within your organizations: who is hired, who gets to be involved, and is everyone really included?
One size does not fit all organizations or individuals. It is important to create language awareness together, depending on individual needs. Language awareness makes it possible for all of us to bring our expertise and ideas to the table.
Make your workplace walk the talk – and do your best, together!
Thank you to all those who participated in our joint event!
Sunny greetings,
Manifold More project and Mothers in Business network
The Manifold More project challenges stereotypes about immigrant women through research and expert communication. You can follow the project on Twitter @moninaisesti. The Manifold More project (2019-2022) is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF).
Mothers in Business MiB ry (MiB) is a nationwide network that supports career-oriented mothers in balancing work and family. MiB’s aim is to provide opportunities for skills development, networking and career advancement. Currently, the network has over 4000 members and hundreds of volunteers throughout Finland. MiB International is a project that aims to develop MiB’s modes of operation to meet the needs of international career-oriented mothers living in Finland and to engage in societal advocacy towards a more inclusive and equal Finnish working life.
