Communication and safety for czech employers and supervisors or managers
Employing foreign workers brings with it great demands on mutual understanding and communication. Our behaviour and understanding of the world surrounding us is to a large extent determined by our culture – i.e. rules, habits, behaviour etc., which we subconsciously learn from others around us and consider self-evident. In fact, even the seemingly most obvious things (such as the meaning of a smile, asking a question if I do not understand the task, coming on time etc.) are culture-bound.
When employing people from other cultures we are unlikely to completely avoid problems and conflicts.
Many of them though, can be prevented if we are open, strive for understanding and know where potential misunderstanding can be expected. Naturally not everything can be blamed on culture. Yet it is communication barriers and mutual misunderstandings which tend to be frequent causes of problems.
In embarrassing situations, humor and a willingness to find a solution are the best bridge to reaching an understanding. However, it is best to do everything possible to prevent misunderstandings in the field of health and safety at work. Understanding foreign employees is in the interest of every employer. It improves productivity, quality of work and also enhances safety in the workplace.