Jasper Chamber hosting multilingual workforce workshop
The Jasper Chamber of Commerce will host a free educational lunch session addressing critical communication challenges facing local manufacturers and healthcare facilities, as language barriers continue to create safety risks and productivity losses across Jasper and Dubois County workplaces.
Jacob Brown, CEO of Heartland Interpretation & Translation Services, will present “Supporting a Multi-Lingual Workforce: Reducing Risk & Improving Efficiency in Jasper/Dubois County Workplaces” on Tuesday, November 25, at 12:00 PM at the Chamber offices located at 302 W 6th St, Jasper.
The 30-minute session directly addresses mounting concerns in the region’s manufacturing and healthcare sectors, where diverse language backgrounds among employees have led to safety incidents, costly rework, and increased turnover rates.
“Jasper’s manufacturing and healthcare industries depend on employees from diverse language backgrounds. When communication isn’t clear, small misunderstandings can lead to safety issues, rework, and turnover – all of which can be prevented with a few smart, low-cost changes,” according to the session description.
Local Businesses Share Real-World Lessons Learned
The presentation will feature actual examples and lessons learned from Southern Indiana businesses that have implemented language access solutions. Brown will demonstrate how unclear communication directly impacts safety protocols and productivity metrics, while providing practical strategies that can be implemented immediately.
Attendees will receive free take-home resources including a Language Access Checklist and Best Practices Toolkit designed specifically for multi-lingual workplace environments.
The session targets business owners, HR managers, safety coordinators, and team leaders working in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries with diverse workforces. The Chamber expects significant attendance given the widespread nature of communication challenges across local employers.
Addressing Industry-Wide Communication Gaps
The timing of this educational session reflects growing recognition that language barriers represent more than just communication inconveniences. In manufacturing environments, miscommunication can result in safety violations, equipment damage, and regulatory compliance issues. Healthcare facilities face similar risks where patient safety and care quality depend on clear communication among diverse staff members.
Brown’s presentation will outline steps for building a simple language access plan, providing local employers with actionable frameworks rather than theoretical concepts.
The free session includes lunch provided by Heartland Interpretation & Translation Services, with RSVPs required due to expected high attendance.
About the Session Details:
- Date: Tuesday, November 25
- Time: 12:00 PM (30 minutes)
- Location: Jasper Chamber of Commerce, 302 W 6th St, Jasper, IN
- Cost: Free (lunch provided)
- RSVP Required: 812-482-6866 or chamber@jasperin.org
