MULTICULTURAL TEAMS

WINNS continually seeks affirmation from all its staff that the Company’s core values; Fair, respectful, inclusive, transparent and innovative represent their lived experience irrespective of their role within the Company and to date all staff have answered in the affirmative. 

WINNS is proud of its multi-cultural team and the richness this brings to the company. Our team leaders are determined and endeavour to ensure that all colleagues feel comfortable whether they work in the same office or remotely.

WINNS IS VIGILANT TO THE CHALLENGES THAT MULTI-CULTURAL TEAMS CAN FACE

1. OVERCOME LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL BARRIER

When working in a multicultural team, one of the most common challenges is handling language barriers between employees. If each team member speaks a different language, a common language that everyone can use so every member can communicate with ease is a necessity.  WINNS benefits from Account Manager, Bianca Roman, whose ability to converse in multiple languages is a tremendous asset to the Company. 

BE AWARE OF DIFFERENT CULTURE STYLE

Every culture nurtures its own communication style, like speaking patterns and nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication includes everything beyond words — gestures, facial expressions, and body language. It’s crucial to understand diverse communication styles between cultures and speak to your colleagues according to these rules.

DIFFERING FORMS OF COMMUNICATION

Be aware that communication can also be indirect and each culture has a unique understanding of nonverbal communication. Open lines of communication are therefore  is essential to identify any misconceptions that result from different communication styles.

DEMANDS OF TRANSLATING THOUGHTS FROM ONE LANGUAGE TO ANOTHER 

4. Most of us can smoothly and eloquently express our thoughts when speaking our native language, but, this isn’t always the case when speaking in foreign languages so give people time to articulate their thoughts, prep for meetings.  In addition, be mindful that some team members might feel uneasy in a meeting where the established speaking is not native to them. They may feel restrained in these situations, causing a communication barrier so take time to gain their views and opinions.

5. BE OPEN TO ALL CULTURES AND THEIR DIFFERENCES 

The best way to show your colleagues that you respect and appreciate them is by being open to the traditions and values of all cultures. This means avoiding promoting or embracing only one culture in the workplace. For instance, during the holiday season, it’s important to vary your decorations so all cultures are included. This way, your multicultural team will know you respect and embrace whatever they celebrate during the holidays.

WINNS recognises that diversity brings new ideas to the table and celebrates the cultural differences between their employees and celebrates them in a respectful way.  WINNS makes every endeavour to recognise and erradicate  stereotypes and go to every effort to ensure that concerns are freely and confidentially communicated.

Managing a team that is made up of members from different cultural backgrounds can be challenging, but never boring.

For further information on how WINNS ensures its processes and procedures are fully inclusive, including sight of their Diversity Policy, please contact Keri Barfoot on 01702 7130100 or email on kari.barfoot@winnsservices.co.uk