2. A few tips for better communication with foreign workers:

• Show respect! (By saying "vy" in Czech.) If you talk with your employees in Czech, talk to them in such a way in which you would like to be approached yourself. The Czech that they will learn at work is most probably the language they will use when speaking to you and when speaking elsewhere.
• "Yes" does not always mean yes. Although it may drive us crazy, there are cultures where it is inappropriate to disagree with superiors or people of a higher-ranking in society or where a question is automatically responded to in a positive way. Ask a simple question to verify that you have actually been understood. It is always better to ask a question to which a reply containing a piece of information is given and not a question to which the answer is yes/no. (I.e. instead of "Will you come at 7 a.m.?" ask the question: "At what time will you come in tomorrow?".)
• The simpler the better. Have you ever noticed how complicated the Czech language is? Talk to foreigners who do not speak much Czech in very simple and short sentences.
• Speak slowly, clearly and distinctly. In Czech, what makes the language difficult is the use of various metaphors and indirect expressions. Keep your language as simple as possible and speak slowly. Foreigners have difficulties understanding rapid colloquial speech, even if they may speak relatively good Czech.
• It does not help to raise your voice. When someone does not understand when you speak normally, s/he will not understand any better when you raise your voice and shout at him or her. Raising your voice does not help.
• Do both: speak and write. Do not hesitate to both write and say a piece of information to your employees. For example, it will do no harm to equip them with a card where the date, hour and place of work are stated, although you have already told them that. In such a way you can prevent misunderstandings.
• Direct communication. Czechs have a very direct way of communication. When we want something, most of the time we do not hesitate and ask a relatively direct question, (e.g. "Can you, exceptionally, come to work this Saturday?"). In some cultures, such a direct communication is considered rude and the asked person is first confronted with a small preparatory series of information (e.g. "We've got a lot of work. On Saturday, one does not go to work. It would be good to have somebody to go to work this Saturday. It would be a much appreciated help. This is an exceptional situation. Can you go to work on Saturday?"). When we are aware of such a different way of communication, it does not need to be an unpleasant surprise when it takes rather long for your employees ask about the matters they are really interested in, or why they are not very good at responding to your direct requests.