Outback Steakhouses and Papa John's: Breaking the Language Barrier

(St. Paul, MN) December 2, 2008- Outback Steakhouses Inc. and Papa John’s International are the latest major restaurant franchises to offer online restaurant specific Spanish language lessons to its regional level Directors of Training through Workplace Languages.
Directors for both franchises are in the process of taking 30-minute online Spanish “micro-lessons” tailored to bridging the communication gap with Latino employees. The lessons, developed by Workplace Languages, are specifically designed for management level positions in the restaurant industry. The 1-on-1 tutoring sessions are taught via webcam by one of 200 internationally based language instructors. The curriculum teaches managers easy to learn Spanish phrases and key words used every day in the hospitality industry.
“Workplace inclusion is becoming a critical philosophy for employers to effectively recruit and retain quality employees” said Ed Rosheim, President of Workplace Languages.
Both Outback Steakhouses and Papa John’s International employ thousands of Spanish speaking employees nationwide. Managers have found learning key Spanish phrases can be an effective tool in the hiring process, employee training and employee satisfaction.
In a recent survey of 2,417 hiring managers by empleosCB.com, 48% say they will hire a Spanish speaking job candidate within the next year.
“Everyone loves taking the lessons. The 30 minutes is just enough time for them without taking too much of their day. I love it too. The teacher is very nice, smart and patient.” said Nina Martinez, Executive Assistant for Outback Steakhouses Vice President of Training.
Workplace Languages gives participants the ability to schedule ten 30-minute sessions when it is convenient to them. All lessons are conducted online through the “Skype” webcam service. Live online sessions can be taken 24 hours a day/7 days a week with a certified native Spanish speaking language instructor.
“More and more managers not only encourage Spanish speaking workers to learn English but also find time to learn a handful of phrases in Spanish. Showing employees your willingness to learn their language shows respect on a personal level.” said Rosheim. Managers on all levels have found that improving employee relations helps improve productivity and retain employees.
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-Workplace Languages, LLC offers a large number of bilingual training tools to a variety of industries. Products and services include customized onsite Survival Spanish Classes & Seminars, KwikFix Survival Spanish pocket reference books, and global translation services. We have over 50 language instructors that teach ESL (English as a Second Language) and teach Survival Spanish as well as a number of other foreign languages. Workplace Languages, LLC also has over200 internationally based written translators have the ability to translate 80+ languages.
Workplace Languages provides an easy, effective and immediate way to close the communication gap at your company. www.workplacelanguages.com