Importance of Language Access in Business

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? 🌍💬

The language barrier in workplace learning is finally crumbling. For years, most organizations avoided translating their training content due to prohibitive costs and complex logistics. The reality? When employees can't learn in their native language, comprehension drops and engagement suffers. AI is changing this equation dramatically. Now, teams can: - Create content once, deploy in multiple languages instantly - Maintain consistent messaging across global operations - Ensure safety protocols aren't lost in translation - Scale onboarding across regions without multiplying costs The most powerful shift isn't technological—it's psychological. Learning leaders are no longer asking "Can we afford to translate this?" but rather "Why isn't everything available in every language our team speaks?"

I’ve seen firsthand how tough it can be for entrepreneurs who don’t speak English fluently. This is what happens: Imagine trying to start a business, but every resource, every form, and every crucial piece of information is only available in a language you’re still learning.  That’s the reality for so many hardworking people who want to contribute but are held back by a language barrier. One entrepreneur shared their frustration with me—they needed to apply for an EIN number, a basic step in starting a business, but the process was only in English.  Without the right help or understanding of the terminology, they were afraid of making a mistake.  And that fear? It stopped them from moving forward at all. This isn’t just a one-off story.  It’s a situation many face, and it highlights a broader issue.  When people feel lost in the system, they’re less likely to engage with it.  But if we can ease that burden—by making resources accessible in multiple languages and providing clear, compassionate guidance—we can help these entrepreneurs find their footing. In the long run, making it easier for everyone to participate in the economy benefits us all.  It’s not just about helping individuals; it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive community. How can we make entrepreneurship more accessible for everyone, regardless of language?