Hiring Hispanics

jbroussard

I think this is probably a "preference" rather than a law, but I said I would contact you. Our receptionist wants to know if she can ask our Hispanic applicants to speak English when they are in the reception room waiting to be interviewed. I think that at most she can ask them to be quite since they are disturbing her in answering the phones and conducting business, but I don't know that they can be forced to speak English in that area. Please advise!:help:

Still Need Coffee

I wouldn't go down that road. If you are concerned about what they are saying to each other, perhaps separating them would be the best bet.

joannie

[quote=Still Need Coffee;723169]I wouldn't go down that road. If you are concerned about what they are saying to each other, perhaps separating them would be the best bet.[/quote]

Even that scares me. Would you separate English speaking applicants who were whispering? Perhaps the best thing would be to offer to pay for a conversational Spanish course for your receptionist. She would be more comfortable with Spanish speaking applicants and maybe you would get a few loyal potential long term employees who felt comfortable working at a company that had people who cared enough to communicate with them in their language.

NaeNae55

Agree with Joannie. Plus, if courts have ruled against requiring English only for employees unless there is a specific business purpose, then it is not a far reach to include applicants.

Sharon McKnight SPHR

[quote=jbroussard;723168]I think this is probably a "preference" rather than a law, but I said I would contact you. Our receptionist wants to know if she can ask our Hispanic applicants to speak English when they are in the reception room waiting to be interviewed. I think that at most she can ask them to be quite since they are disturbing her in answering the phones and conducting business, but I don't know that they can be forced to speak English in that area. Please advise!:-/[/quote]


Your first post! Welcome to the Forum. :welcome:

Sharon

PS: I agree with Joannie

ACU Frank

Tell your receptionist that if she thinks this is really a problem, you're going to have to replace her with someone who speaks/understands Spanish. I bet it becomes a lot less troublesome then.