New Haven, Conn. Workplace English Policy Builds “Environment of Inclusiveness”

January 22, 2010

“I am extremely dismayed by those critics who are quick to label this a so-called ‘English-only’ policy. The owner’s memo makes it very clear that foreign languages are allowed in the workplace, including the food preparation area, dishwashing area and the lower level of the business. The employer is merely asking that employees speak English in front of the customers in order to build an environment of inclusiveness for everyone.

“Numerous courts have upheld English-in-the-workplace policies so long as they are properly tailored and do not apply to employee time such as lunch hours or breaks. In this case, the owner is well within the law, allowing employees to speak their native tongue while performing work, but maintaining English dialogue while around the customers.

“It is widely noted as both a good business practice and a matter of good manners to refrain from speaking a foreign language in front of individuals who cannot understand that language. While the use of a foreign language is often innocent in intent, it creates an aura of suspicion and may sour a customer’s opinion of the business. Given the weak state of the economy, business owners cannot risk alienating any potential customers as they struggle to keep their firms afloat.

“Finally, critics’ complaint that asking employees to speak English on the job is tantamount to a discriminatory business practice is ridiculous. No court has ever held that language is equivalent to immutable characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity or national origin. A man from El Salvador may always be a man from El Salvador, but he can learn many additional languages in addition to his native Spanish.”