Language barriers in business are a growing problem – and a costly one. Misunderstandings and time spent translating can waste valuable time and money.
In fact, our research finds that language barriers could be costing your business as much as $500,000 each year in hidden fees and lost profits.
A growing solution for businesses is real time translator technology. Ditching walkie-talkies for smart radios enables bilingual staff to receive live audio translation – a gamechanger for many industries today.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of real time translation technology for frontline staff, and compare the best live translator devices in the market today.
7 Ways Real Time Translator Technology is Shaping Frontline Businesses
Live translation devices are a revolutionary addition to many frontline businesses – from casinos and golf courses to large-scale manufacturing facilities.
With better communication, companies can enhance customer service and boost productivity in the workforce – alongside other benefits, which we’ll get into below.
1. Better Customer Service
Good customer service is the crux of business success. Communication issues in a workforce can have both a direct and indirect impact on customer satisfaction rates.
For example, in hospitality, guest requirements and emergencies must be handled quickly and efficiently. Yet language barriers can lead to slow or poor service.
In other settings, like warehouses and logistical centers, language barriers can cause unnecessary delays – whether that’s due to wasted time or something more serious, like an accident or major manufacturing oversight.
Preventing language barriers within in-house staff, namely through smart radios, can drastically improve customer service for your clients.
2. Increased Productivity
Productivity in the workforce is another pillar of success. The more productive your staff, the better things are for business.
Various factors can impact workforce productivity, but our research shows that language barriers are a prominent drain on staff. As many as 86% of manufacturing professionals feel that language barriers reduce their productivity.
Additionally, bilingual staff costs businesses an average of $7,500 per employee annually due to lost time spent translating (an average of 4 hours per week). Some bilingual staff also tend to assume a translation role, which can worsen productivity and lead to staff burnout.
By removing language barriers from business, workforces can save precious time and feel less burdened by translation challenges.
3. Faster Communication
Live translation devices enable faster communication between key professionals on the frontline. In a warehouse, logistical center, or hotel, managers can convey changes and receive instant updates – with no wasted time.
In turn, this leaves a workforce operating as smoothly as possible, with all staff well-utilized and managers able to manage at the highest level.
4. Fewer Accidents
Workplace accidents cost the US economy $167 billion annually. OSHA estimates that a quarter of accidents are caused by language barriers, presenting a major challenge for frontline businesses.
Essentially, language barriers are a risk to safety, with staff potentially misunderstanding hazard warnings and safe operating procedures – particularly during an emergency, like an evacuation.
It can also leave staff unable to report issues effectively, which is a major safety concern. With technology that enables fluid communication at all levels, employers can reduce the risks of language-related workplace accidents.
5. Happier Workforce
Businesses can achieve tangible benefits from investing in technology with real time voice translation features. But it isn’t just about what’s in it for your business. Staff can significantly benefit from understanding each other better, too.
Our research into language barriers found that, in a warehouse environment, three-quarters of the workforce actually wanted their employers to invest in solutions that reduce language barriers.
We also found that 65% of workers would feel more satisfied at work if language barriers were removed. High morale and a strong sense of work are important in a workforce, both offering vast hidden benefits to companies.
6. Reduced Staff Turnover
High turnover rates can be a major problem in certain industries. In logistical hubs and manufacturing departments, time is of the essence. Yet constantly re-hiring and re-training new staff takes precious time away from the production line.
Even the wider workforce can suffer from having to help new employees adjust. In fact, our research finds that almost half of employees feel language barriers contribute to high turnover rates.
Investing in live translation devices for frontline staff can potentially decrease turnover rates, reducing the burden of constant re-hiring practices.
7. Better Trained Staff
Every workforce needs sufficient training, but it’s particularly crucial on the frontline for safety reasons. Research finds that most training (70%) happens on the job from coworkers and team managers. Most staff actually prefer this type of training, too.
But language barriers can make operational learning significantly less effective. Not to mention, the impact it has on budgets, with companies having to invest more in robust training regimes – potentially in multi-languages to cater to bilingual staff.
With live translation devices, staff can stay better informed on how to get every job done right, potentially reducing the need for extra training.
Benefits of Real Time Translation Technology in Frontline Services
Investing in language barrier solutions can produce major benefits for the workplace, particularly in warehouses, retail settings, and other frontline services. It can even outweigh the costs of investment.
When staff have access to a live audio translation device, it can potentially save a company thousands of dollars per employee. This can be through fewer accidents, reduced turnover rates, and increased productivity.
Real time translator technology can also boost business operations, with staff able to work faster, smarter, harder, and even more happily when language barriers are removed. In turn, this creates more opportunities to successfully expand and grow as a company.
All-in-One Solutions: Comparing Live Translator Devices For Your Business
Unlike traditional two-way radios, Relay offers businesses a chance to reinvent communication channels and boost productivity in the process.
Read how TownePlace Suites is overcoming language barriers with real time translation.
Pros of Relay:
- Real time voice translation to 30+ common languages
- Up to 1,000 channels
- Nationwide connection to 4G LTE Cellular and WiFi
- Indoor and outdoor real time location updates
- Lightweight design
- Durable and water-resistant composition
Alternative solutions to prevent language barriers on the frontline are to use smartphone apps, online software, and earpieces. These, however, can be clunky for staff to use, with the potential to cause even more delays or safety concerns.
With most frontline services already using radios as an integral communication tool, upgrading to a device with an integrated real time language translator makes the most sense for increasing productivity and minimizing delays.
When choosing the best device and solution for your business, consider the translation needs of your workforce and how language barriers may be impacting staff, along with the other requirements you have for a sufficient radio device.
Learn more about Relay for your industry – hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, food services, and more – or get a demo today to discover its potential to transform your business.
FAQs
Can I Translate Live Audio?
Through major developments in modern technology, various software and devices can translate live audio in real time, like our Relay smart radios. These devices allow conversations in workplaces to be instantly translated into a language of choice.
Is There a Device That Translates Languages in Real Time?
Relay is a smart radio device that translates languages in real time with TeamTranslate™. With unique customization features, every member of staff can choose their preferred language to receive important radio communication. Our device can translate messages into 30+ languages to improve productivity and communication in any workforce.
Conclusion
Communication is an integral part of business – especially when you’re working on the frontline. In healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, and even retail industries, language barriers can present a major challenge.
Businesses can’t afford to ignore the benefits of real time translation technology, particularly in the modern era. Technology has progressed significantly to provide instant live translation to staff, with high accuracy rates to benefit the workforce.
Get a live demo today or learn more about how Relay can benefit your business.
