Creating a Strong and Inclusive Work Culture

RCS Influencer John Kenney says contractors can grow a strong, inclusive culture through training in Spanish. 

Roofing contractors who want to grow a robust and inclusive culture must focus on building a workplace that values diversity and inclusion. One of the key aspects of this is training, particularly training in Spanish. We will explore why training in Spanish is essential for creating an inclusive culture and provide tips for roofing contractors to implement this training effectively. 

Why is training in Spanish important for roofing contractors? 

The roofing industry is diverse, with many workers coming from different ethnic backgrounds and speaking different languages. Spanish is the second most common language in the United States, with over 40 million people speaking it as their primary language. Many roofing and construction workers are Spanish speakers, and contractors must communicate effectively with their workers to create an inclusive culture. 

Training in Spanish can help ensure that all workers understand the importance of safety protocols and other aspects of the job. This can help reduce accidents and injuries on the job site and improve worker communication and teamwork. 

Additionally, providing training in Spanish shows that contractors value diversity and are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel welcome and included. This can help improve employee morale and job satisfaction, increasing productivity and higher retention rates. 

Tips for roofing contractors implementing Spanish-language training: 

• Hire bilingual trainers: One of the best ways to ensure effective Spanish-language training is to hire bilingual trainers. These trainers can deliver training materials in both English and Spanish, ensuring that all workers understand the content and can participate in discussions and activities. 
• Provide written materials in Spanish: You should ensure that all written materials, including manuals, policies, and training materials, are available in Spanish. This can help workers who are not fluent in English to understand important information and improve their job performance. 
• Incorporate cultural sensitivity training: Cultural sensitivity training can help workers to understand and appreciate different cultures, improving communication and teamwork among workers from diverse backgrounds. You should incorporate this training into your overall training program to ensure all workers feel respected and valued. 
• Make training interactive: Interactive training sessions can help workers to learn and retain information more effectively. You should include activities and discussions in your training sessions to encourage workers to participate and engage with the material. 
• Encourage feedback: You should encourage workers to provide feedback on your training sessions. This feedback can help to improve the effectiveness of your training and ensure that all workers understand the material. 
• Offer ongoing training: Training should not be a one-time event. You should offer regular training sessions to ensure workers are up-to-date on the latest safety protocols and other important information. 

Creating a culture of inclusivity 

In addition to providing effective Spanish-language training, roofing contractors should also focus on creating a culture of inclusivity in their workplace. This means valuing diversity and treating all employees with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or language. Roofing contractors can promote inclusivity by: 

• Celebrating diversity: You should celebrate the diverse backgrounds of your workers and promote cultural events and activities that showcase different traditions and customs. 
• Providing equal opportunities: All workers should have equal opportunities for advancement and professional development, regardless of their language or cultural background. 
• Creating an open-door policy: You should have an open-door policy that encourages workers to speak up about any concerns or issues they may have. 
• Encouraging teamwork: You should promote teamwork and collaboration among workers from different backgrounds. This can help to break down cultural barriers and promote inclusivity in your workplace. 

Conclusion 

Creating a robust and inclusive culture is essential for contractors who want to promote safety, productivity, and job satisfaction among their workers. Training in Spanish is an integral component of this. It can help improve communication, reduce accidents and injuries, and promote cultural sensitivity by implementing effective Spanish-language training and promoting inclusion.  

John Kenney is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. See his full bio here.

About John Kenney

John Kenney is the Chief Executive Officer at Cotney Consulting Group. Prior to starting Cotney, John had 45 years of experience in the construction industry. John began his career by working as a roofing apprentice at a family business in the Northeast. Because of his skill and hard work, he progressed from roofing laborer to foreman, estimator, chief estimator, Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer with his various companies. John has worked for multiple Top 100 Roofing Contractors and is intimately familiar with all aspects of roofing production, estimating, and operations. In his last role, John was responsible for the daily operations and performance of a large commercial roofing contractor. During his tenure, John ran business units associated with delivering excellent workmanship and unparalleled customer service while ensuring healthy net profits for his company.