According to the 2021 census, 62 million of the U.S. population speak Spanish as a first language. They represent 18% of the total population living in this country, and these numbers are increasing every year. 71% of the Spanish population speak Spanish in a family environment. 28.4% of Spanish speakers do not speak English very well (OMH, n.d.). In addition, more and more Spanish is being studied in high schools in the United States, with 24 million students studying Spanish as a foreign language. Spanish is considered the second most spoken language in the United States. Spanish-speaking businesses represent a large percentage of the U.S workforces.
Companies that hire people who speak Spanish as their first language must provide important information in a language that all employees are able to understand. If you ever found yourself in a situation where you did not understand the information because it was not written in your primary language, you can imagine how difficult it would be to work in an environment that did not provide translated instructions for you to perform your job. This information could be instructions on how to do a job well, safely, and responsibly. It could also provide training documents in case of natural disasters. For example, where an employee must go in case of an emergency. This simple step can show that your organization cares about their employees which can lead to higher productivity and increased employee engagement.
Within the workplace, Spanish–speakers are entitled to be able to understand their benefits, health-care, and areas for continued education. By providing a Spanish translation for each of these key areas, you help to ensure that your employees feel like a valued part of the team.
It is also critical for companies to provide a Spanish translation for their customers as well. Considering the size of the population that is Spanish-speaking within the United States, you would be alienating a large portion of your potential customer base by neglecting to provide translated information. Whether it is user manuals, product specifications, or customer service, making plans to include a Spanish translation will benefit your company in the long-term.
Document translation is an important step that your company does not want to overlook. If you need assistance in translating important company information, we can help. Reach out for a quote today.
