The UK economy is set to expand in 2025 with consumer spending being the main driver of growth, as households’ real incomes will increase slightly as inflation falls. This growth in consumer spending will help to fuel the expansion of the logistics sector and increase the demand for workers.
In light of the skills shortages that continue to impact the logistics and supply chain sector, retaining workers is crucial. To meet the staffing demand, the industry has come to rely on foreign talent. Research by Prologis UK indicates that in 2023 more than one in ten (12%) of logistics, warehousing, and supply chain workers in the UK were non-native English speakers.
This brings language barriers and communication challenges which are set to grow. This is because logistics companies are likely to increase the amount of workers they recruit who speak English as an additional language (EAL) due to the UK’s increasingly diverse population. Thus it is essential to make the sector more accessible for EAL workers.
The sector must invest in overcoming communication barriers to boost talent engagement and retention to tap into a wider array of workers and reduce the costs of recruiting and training. Here are some lessons UK logistics and supply chain companies can learn to build and retain a more inclusive workforce in 2025 and cope with increased demand.
Language inclusion is crucial
High turnover rates are costly and disruptive, so retaining staff is crucial. Creating a supportive environment that minimises language barriers can lead to higher job satisfaction, increased loyalty, and reduced staff turnover. Thus creating environments with language inclusion is crucial for operational excellence and employee well-being.
Language barriers can lead to misunderstandings, lower productivity and increased health and safety risks. Also, when workers struggle to communicate effectively and engage with their colleagues it affects their confidence and job satisfaction. In an industry where precision and efficiency are essential, any miscommunication can have ripple effects throughout the supply chain that lead to costly mistakes and delays.
Using tech to overcome language barriers
Technology has a critical role in enabling effective conversations in the workplace.
Tools like Pocketalk, a versatile language translation device, can facilitate real-time communication between employees who speak different languages. By providing instant, accurate, secure translation, such tools enable workers to understand instructions, report issues, collaborate more effectively, and most importantly understand safety protocols, which improves both safety and productivity.
Develop language training programmes
Although technology offers immediate solutions, long-term strategies should involve investing in language training programs. Providing English language classes can greatly support non-native speakers. Also, providing basic language courses for native English speakers to learn key phrases in their colleagues’ languages can foster mutual respect and understanding.
These programmes improve communication and show a company’s commitment to supporting its employees’ growth. All of which can help to retain EAL workers.
Building multilingual workplaces
Building a multilingual work environment goes beyond implementing translation tools and offering language classes. It involves fostering a true culture of language inclusion. This can be accomplished through bilingual signage and documentation, employing multilingual support staff, and implementing inclusive communication policies that promote the use of multiple languages, ensuring equitable access to company information for everyone.
Developing a culture of language inclusion also opens up career opportunities for everyone, regardless of their language background. Again, this is essential for attracting and retaining EAL workers.
Evidence of the benefits of language inclusion
US retail powerhouse Kroger’s warehouses faced significant language barriers with up to to eight languages spoken simultaneously within a single facility.
With language barriers causing health and safety concerns and prohibiting workplace integration, the management team distributed digital translation devices to sites across the organisation. These devices were used to enhance safety measures and facilitate day-to-day operations within the warehouses and refrigerated rooms.
This improved workplace communication and helped employees integrate better into their communities, enhancing their overall quality of life and job satisfaction.
Supporting a wider pool of talent than ever
Ultimately, as we move towards an increasingly globalised and diverse world, the ability to overcome language barriers and communicate effectively will become even more important. UK logistics companies can improve their operations by investing in language inclusion to create more equitable and supportive workplaces that help to recruit and retain people from a wider pool of talent than ever.
- Collaboration & Optimization
