SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) — Question 8
In one of the warehouses of a retail company, several international employees complain to HR that the warehouse manager has forbidden them from speaking in their native language in the workplace. The HR manager speaks with the warehouse manager, who says there have been several reports that the international employees only interact with each other and they have difficulty conversing with the local employees due to language barriers. The HR manager also learns that the international employees can speak the primary language used in the company well enough to understand instructions from their supervisors. Fortunately, there have been no incidents of safety issues where language has been a barrier between local and international employees. However, senior management believes there is a lack of rapport between local and international employees and instructs the HR manager to resolve the issue.
Which action should the HR manager take to address the international employees' complaints about the warehouse manager?
Answer options
- A. Communicate to the international employees that senior management believes there is a lack of rapport between the local and international employees.
- B. Consult with senior management about whether it is acceptable to forbid international employees from speaking in their native language in the workplace.
- C. Ask the warehouse manager if there is a business need to forbid international employees from speaking in their native language.
- D. Instruct the warehouse manager to attend a diversity, equity and inclusion.
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is D because instructing the warehouse manager to attend diversity, equity, and inclusion training addresses the root cause of the issue and promotes understanding between employees. Options A, B, and C do not actively resolve the issue or improve the work environment, as they either communicate management's beliefs or seek justifications rather than fostering inclusivity.