mgnは、もともと全員が日本人のメンバーで構成されていた日本の会社です。そのため、 Language Policy の導入はまったく新しい試みでした。しかし、mgnは日本国内にとどまらず、世界に挑戦することを目指しており、このポリシーを受け入れることにしました。現在、mgnには日本語以外を母国語とするメンバーが1人いるため、誰もが快適に働ける環境を整える必要があります。
Language Policy を導入してしばらく経ちました。では、mgnのメンバーはこの取り組みについてどう感じているのでしょうか？
Today I would like to share my side of the story on how “Language Policy” was born in our company. As you may have read in my article ‘Tips for working in a foreign company’, it is not easy to work in an environment that is foreign to you. I kept looking for better ways to fit in with everyone and ways to feel equal to my co-workers. One day, while searching for tips on how to work better with my Japanese co-workers, I came across the term “Language policy”. At first, it was just a read out of pure curiosity. But then, I began to relate to the stories of foreigners who were similar to me, and it inspired me to take action.
It turned out that the problem was never the language itself. The problem was also connecting with cultures, individual’s characteristics, and understanding the flow of the company. I had to start to understanding the unique characteristics of my colleagues along with figuring out how my company operates. That was the beginning of what we called “Language Policy”.
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Why Language Policy?
If we just talk about an issue briefly, things will be taken rather lightly, and people simply cannot classify what kind of things are needed from them. Everyone has different thoughts and ways of thinking about a situation. Therefore, questions about how to work with people who do not understand your native language will never end if there are no basic guidelines to begin with.
Benefits of Language Policy
As a Japanese company that started with all members who are Japanese. An introduction to Language Policy was something totally new and out of sight. However, as a company that is willing to challenge and dive beyond Japan, mgn has accepted to include this policy. Since there is now one foreigner in the company, the working environment needs to improve in order to ensure everyone feeling comfortable and inclusive. It’s been a while since Language Policy has been introduced. Let’s hear how mgn members feels about it!
“How does mgn members feel about its benefits / impact?”
It has advantages and has positive impact.
Very good benefit – although I may not always speak English, I try to speak when the content is simple and I am careful when I speak Japanese.
It’s interesting to know how to say certain things in English!
Positive effect – although I’m trying to explain in English, the detailed bits are in Japanese.
Not sure if I’m following the policy but I always keep it in mind
“Does it change the way you work?”
I have become more conscious and I speak easy Japanese. It is a good thing that I can be aware and can do something to help.
More people are able to speak up in English and meetings are held in mixed languages.
We start to communicate using chat more. It might be time consuming but it is good to have a record of these exchanges.
It’s a good initiative in itself!
Many feels that is is a good initiative and that it is a necessary guideline for mgn. Even though not all of the policies are being followed, they are not forgotten. mgn members all try their best in their own way to follow the Language Policy guidelines. It is not strict and there are no punishments. However, having a guideline helps improve everyone’s awareness of each other and to improve inclusivity. Furthermore, publishing a guideline itself contains many more benefits!
It’s helpful since you can refer to it anytime
Easier to look back to whenever there’s an issue or concern.
Clearer communications
Create an open and trusting, welcoming work environment
Able to learn and discover new perspectives
Create an opportunity for everyone to engage
How about you? What has helped you to improve the environment in your workplace?
I hope this article provides some good insights for you.
