Benefits of Language Access in Communication

At Couchbase, effective internal communication is at the heart of our People & Workplace strategy. Recently, we encountered a situation that underscored the importance of truly connecting with every team member—regardless of language. During a benefits overview session for our colleagues in 🇫🇷France, our provider's rep offered to present in French. However, the benefits team felt hesitant since they did not speak French. As a French speaker myself, I recognized the value of clear communication and stepped in to offer my support, ensuring that the message was accurately conveyed. Before proceeding, I quickly polled our French-speaking employees, and the feedback was decisive: they preferred the presentation in French. The reasons were clear: 1️⃣ Comfort & Clarity: Employees are more likely to ask questions and address concerns in their native language. 2️⃣ Precision: Complex benefits terminology and context are better understood when communicated in the target language. This experience reaffirms a well-known insight by Nelson Mandela: "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart." ❤️ For internal communication, this means tailoring our approach to meet the diverse needs of our 🌏 global team. It’s not just about relaying information—it's about ensuring every colleague feels heard, understood, and valued. Key facts: 🔸 43% of global employees work in a language that's not their first language (Gallup Global Skills Report, 2022) 🔸 Only 1.5 billion people speak English - about 20% of world population (Harvard Business Review, "Global Business Speaks English", 2022) 🔸 75% of multinational workers interact with colleagues in multiple languages daily (Harvard Business Review, 2022) Being multilingual has shown me firsthand how language shapes understanding and belonging. This experience with our French team highlighted the importance of prioritizing language inclusion in global workplaces. It's crucial for fostering a more connected, engaged, and empowered workforce, not just at Couchbase, but in companies and organizations worldwide. Let's continue this conversation: What language inclusion practices have you seen make a difference? 🌍💬

In every industry, we code-switch. Philosophers speak one way in peer review, another way when teaching undergrads. Surgeons use technical language in the OR, and plain speech in the recovery room. Nonprofits are no different. Internally, we use sector-specific language. We talk about equity frameworks, wraparound supports, and systems change. That language helps us be precise, rigorous, and in alignment with policy. But when we’re communicating with the public—when we’re explaining our work to the very people it’s meant to serve—we have a responsibility to speak in a shared, accessible language. Not because people aren’t smart. But because they shouldn’t need to be fluent in grant-speak to understand how we’re trying to help. 🏘 Housing “We promote equitable access to affordable housing.” → We help people stay in their homes when rising costs or unfair rules push them out. 🩺 Healthcare “We deliver trauma-informed care to underserved communities.” → We treat people who’ve been hurt or ignored by the system—and we make sure they feel safe while we do it. 🌱 Environment “We address climate resilience in frontline communities.” → We help neighborhoods hit hardest by pollution and flooding clean up and protect their air, land, and water. 🧑🏽🍼 Social Services “We offer wraparound services to marginalized populations.” → We help people get the food, housing, and care they need—all in one place. 💸 Poverty Reduction “We implement anti-poverty strategies for low-income households.” → We help families make it through the month with dignity and fewer impossible choices. Language isn’t neutral. It signals who we’re talking to—and who’s being left out. If we’re doing public work, we owe the public clarity. #PlainLanguage #Nonprofits #Communications #PublicGood #Grantwriting #Funding #SocialImpact #Equity #Trust

Unlocking Health Equity - Through Translation. 🌟 CMS has just released its annual notice regarding MA Health Plans' translation requirements for vital materials. The minimum threshold is translating into languages spoken by at least 5% of individuals in a plan benefit package (PBP) service area. 📜 While this is the regulatory requirement, it's worth considering going beyond the minimum. Providing materials in members' primary languages has multiple benefits, including enhanced understanding and engagement. 🌍 CMS does provide translations in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese for certain CY 2024 model materials, which can serve as a cost-effective starting point for health plans. 💡 If you're a health plan, it's a good time to analyze your membership and evaluate the potential impact of addressing additional languages beyond the 5% threshold. It's not just about regulations; it's about ensuring equitable access to healthcare information. ❤️ See the attached CMS memo and join the discussion on expanding language accessibility in healthcare! 🤝#HealthCareTranslation #CMSUpdate #LanguageAccessibility

🚨 Episode Alert!🚨 Language Access Matters host Carol Velandia, MBA, CHI, PMP, MSW ⚖️ welcomes the first European guest , with her incredible insights and a passionate voice for language equity and patient-centered care ❤️, Nur Ferrante Morales. Together, they delve into a vital but often overlooked topic 🧠. Linguistic Validation: Giving Voice to Patients in Global Research in Healthcare and clinical research 🏥. Nur, a linguist and integrative physiotherapist 🧘♀️, breaks down how proper language adaptation ensures inclusivity, clarity, cultural sensitivity, and belonging in patient-facing documents worldwide 🌐📄. Nur shares her incredible journey as a leading expert in linguistic validation ✨. She unpacks how culturally adapted communication tools ensure accuracy , trust, and inclusivity in clinical trials and patient care, prompting empowerment and loss of fear on the patient’s side 💬. This episode is a must-listen 🎧 for anyone working at the intersection of language, health, and equity ⚖️. 🔍 Let’s explore this topic together! Key topics we explore: 🗣️ How linguistic validation ensures patient-centric communication 🔄 The step-by-step process: forward translation, back translation, reconciliation & harmonization 🌍 Why cultural nuance and plain language matter ⚠️ Real-life consequences of poor translation in healthcare Tune in now: 📺 YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eGufA47e 🎙️ PodBean: https://lnkd.in/eEnxJpq2 📣 Don't miss this thoughtful and eye-opening episode on how words shape equity in healthcare and why linguistic validation is a must in global research today. Carol Velandia, MBA, CHI, PMP, MSW ⚖️Nur Ferrante Morales #LanguageAccess #LinguisticValidation #TranslationMatters #InclusiveCommunication #CulturalCompetence #HumanInTheLoop #PatientCentric #GlobalHealth #LanguageJustice #HealthcareEquity #InterpretationMatters #ResearchForAll #LanguageRights #InclusiveResearch #ClinicalTrialsMatter #EquityInHealth #LanguageInHealthcare #EthicalTranslation #TranslatorsOfInstagram #InterpreterLife #languagerightsarehumanrights #effectiveinclusionthroughlanguageaccess #equallanguageaccess #Translation #translationservices #globalmarket #ProfessionalTranslations #LanguageAccess #languageaccesscivilrights