Strengthening your workforce’s linguistic diversity

Amongst the training and education offerings available to your aged care workforce, would you consider language training for both native English and non-English speakers?

Australia has a strong culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) ageing population. Overall, just under 30% of the Nation was born overseas in 2021, and that’s closely reflected by aged care where 33% of people accessing aged care services were born overseas. 

• A further 2.6% of aged care service users identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• Of those born overseas, 67% were born in non-English-speaking countries
• 18% of home care recipients speak a language other than English, while 11% of permanent aged care residents also have a preferred language other than English
• There are noticeable age trends for the median ages of Australia’s overseas-born population with Greece (75 years), Italy (73) and Germany (67) highest and India (36), Pakistan (33) and Nepal (29) lowest

With such a strong representation of CALD communities, aged care providers need to recognise where and when they can help. For not only can you offer services to benefit ageing persons who call Australia home but you can upskill staff who want to strengthen their English skills – or learn a new language entirely.

Languages to benefit resident care

First and foremost, if you’re looking for any benefits from learning languages in the workplace, it’s with resident care. You want to provide an accommodating, safe space where they can be supported and encouraged to remain engaged with their culture or religion. Understanding the needs and wants of a CALD resident or client is essential to fostering this. 

In addition, research from the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that when patients and medical health professionals spoke the same language, the quality and safety of care delivered was improved. This included fewer and shorter hospital stays while the risk of death while in hospital was halved.

If you’re not in a position where you can cater to a CALD resident or client directly due to language barriers, consider utilising the Government’s translation service or approaching a local community organisation that can support them. 

Positive staff outcomes

There are a number of benefits for staff when they have the opportunity to learn a new language. Having staff who can confidently speak multiple languages will be a boost for your organisation in the long run as you can strengthen their communication skills and your ability to cater to CALD residents and clients.

Stronger staff relationships 

• If you have a recognised diaspora within your workforce, you can encourage language training to strengthen team relationships and understanding.
• For example, your English-speaking staff can be supported to learn Hindi, Nepali or Urdu, while non-English speakers can strengthen their English skills or even adopt a third language depending on their existing proficiencies with English. 
• Alternatively, if you work with international workers via programs such as the PALM Scheme, consider team-bonding activities where staff can learn the native language of your migrant workforce.
• Staff who are less proficient in English will feel a greater sense of community belonging once they can effectively communicate with colleagues.

Improved coordination and communication

• Delivery of care will be improved when staff and residents can effectively and quickly communicate with one another. 
• Even an understanding of common phrases and requests can speed up processes within the workplace to ensure timely help is sourced and needs are quickly met.
• This is particularly helpful when you have CALD residents with dementia who may return to using the language they grew up speaking, such as Greek or Italian, influencing how your staff interact with them.
• Even if a staff member can confidently convey a message saying they’re finding a more proficient colleague can make all the difference in alleviating resident stress.

Remember: Languages take time

If you are investing in upskilling your staff and their language skills, it will take time. Even the “easiest” languages that are closely related to English, such as Spanish, Italian or French, reportedly take six months of learning to become proficient. 

That said, you’re not necessarily seeking complete fluency. If you just want a workforce that can more effectively communicate the basics, language short courses or apps like Duolingo will be more than enough. 

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for ways to tap into existing resources – that is, workers already fluent in several languages – the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing also has a useful Guide called Working with Bilingual Workers in Aged Care. It’s another handy tool to strengthen your cultural diversity competencies.