These employees are learning and practicing greetings, telephone protocols, calling in sick, reporting problems, worksite rules, worker safety issues and much more to help them assimilate into the workforce. They will also learn what it means to have a career versus just a job. DP
Key Tech is funding a class to help its employees assimilate to the country and the company.
By VICKI HILLHOUSE of the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
WALLA WALLA — Somewhere between the limp fish and the bone crusher, Antonio Flores engaged his palm in a socially correct handshake Thursday afternoon.
In a quiet classroom secluded from the warehouse and workspace where the Key Technology employee logs most of his hours, Flores practiced with a co-worker the elements of a mainstream American greeting: palms touching, fingers clutching, dry, confident, firm.
The study session in salutations was part of a new program for Key Technology employees who speak English as a second language. Believed to be the first corporate class of its kind in this area, the program is designed to help cross-cultural employees get a better sense not only of American customs, but specifically the values, practices and organization of the company.
During the same class, 25-year-old Fernando Campos took turns practicing formal and informal greetings with colleague Eva Rodriguez.
“Remember to use the person’s name when you greet them,” instructed Victor Chacon, diversity director for Walla Walla Community College and the course instructor.
Just a week into the program, Chacon is still getting a handle on the linguistic skills of each employee/student. So he started Thursday’s class by speaking in English at three speeds and seeing how many people could understand him. Though only three comprehended his fastest pace, Chacon warned that he’d be teaching in English.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
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