Probably not a scenario if you are working in such a country where English is the main language. But somehow it is still happening in our UK and MY offices due to different cultures, races, and backgrounds. Some are from France, Italy, German, Malaysia etc. Hence it is natural when you meet your "countrymen", you will be conversing in your mother-tongue language. Not to say that it is wrong but some people may not understand you and think that you are blathering about them behind their backs or even sharing sensitive confidential information about ones organisation and this may caused misunderstanding which lead to discomfort in your working environment. You may defend yourself that you are not doing such thing, but then again, hey! we did not understand a word you were saying!!
A close friend of mine were having the same issue the other day and was asking me if maybe they should impose some kind of punishment e.g. Every word that is not English will be penalised. Maybe 50cents? . You might be shaking your head and go "Duh!" but I fathomed where she is getting at. It is sometimes annoying especially when these countrymen started nattering LOUDLY and you are on the phone with your client trying to get your work done. But I told her we are all adults and I don't think such punishment would work. It may cause further arguments and unnecessary enmity. I gave her my 2 cents but not too sure if she took it.
Anyways, later in that same week, another close friend asked and discussed about the same issue. This time it involved the management themselves and they wanted to be firm about it. She is supposed to write a HR memo explaining the management's austerity about this issue. Tell you the truth it is the same phenomenon in my office to a point HR actually sent email every week harking back on the same concern matter. Tiring? YES! And who said only kids don't listened and conformed. What baffled me is that adults are worse! So I wasn't flabbergasted when she asked me to draft her a HR memo on this issue.
I outlined and emailed it to her. I think she did send it to management and got it approved.
The MEMO sounded like this:
Dear team,
Management is committed to instill better English commands in the organisation. The use of mother-tongue language is not permissible while at work as it may present misunderstanding among your co-workers/co-employees.
An insistence that employees communicate in English in the workplace serves the added business purpose of minimizing the sense of alienation and resulting hostility felt by employees and customers who don't speak or understand the foreign language.
No other language is permitted none whatsoever other than English during office hour. With an exception of any business that requires conversation with a client or supplier.
Your attention is drawn to this fact and it is asked that you communicate with your teams to remind that our office is an "English" speaking office ONLY.
This policy should be followed with high priority. All the staff working at ABC Ltd. (real name cannot be disclosed) is requested to co-operate in implementing this policy without any deviation. And those who go beyond the policy should be reported to Mr. John Smith.
Please be reminded that this policy is being implemented by taking into consideration all aspects including sensitivity issues and it is management best intentions to make sure all employees benefit from it.
Harsh? I don't think so. Well am still waiting on her updates. For now, cheerio!
Love,
Iliyana I. Ramjaun
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