Speaking Native Language at Work

[Springishere]

Can you require employees to speak english while at work? There are employees that work as receptionists that speak their native language between themselves. They speak english when speaking to clients or custmers however there are others who don't speak the language and feel uncomfortable. What is the employer's right? My understanding is that employees cannot be required to speak english unless it is job related. Is that correct?

 

[mlane58]

The EEOC, in its Compliance Manual, offers the following examples of situations in which business necessity would justify an "English-only" rule:

-- For communication with customers, co-workers, or supervisors who only speak English.

-- In emergencies or other situations in which workers must speak a common language to promote safety.

-- For cooperative work assignments in which the "English-only" rule is needed to promote efficiency.

-- To enable a supervisor who only speaks English to monitor the performance of an employee whose job duties require communication with co-workers or customers.

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and various state laws, "English-only' policies cannot unfavorably affect only employees of a certain race or national origin. "Employers adopting an 'English-only' rule should ensure that all affected employees are notified about it, and about any disciplinary consequences for rule violations. Employers can provide notice in meetings, e-mails, or other written communication. It may be necessary for an employer to provide notice in English and the other languages spoken by employees, according to McAndrew.