Enhancing Diversity in the Workplace with Google Hangouts & Google Translate

1. Telecom USA: Diversity in the Workplace Report Mauro Garcia TECT 4306 Project 2 Technology Training in Multicultural Environments August 9, 2015

2. Talking points for the following presentation • Introduction– Discuss the research and analyze the findings • Technology Tools #1 – Review features of Google Hangouts • Technology Tools #2 – Review features of Google Translate • Conclusion – Discuss impact of recommended tools in the workplace Overview

3. Research of Diversity Assessment Included • Interviews with upper-management • Electronic surveys sent out to all employees via e-mail. • Results of Diversity Assessment Revealed The Following Issues • Cultural – Specifically women’s rights in the workplace. • Linguistic – To help with day-to-day English in the office. • Age – Older employees feel threatened by the younger ones. Introduction

4. Google Hangouts & Google Translate were chosen to provide solutions to the diversity issues that arose during the recent acquisition between Intercom India by Telecom USA. • These tools will help resolve the issues that are currently affecting performance within the company in hopes of quelling the unrest due to the change in diversity in the workplace. Recommended Technology Tools

5. URL: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/ • Cost: Free • Technical Specifications: Available on Android, and Apple devices with front-facing camera. Also available for PC’s and laptops with camera accessibility & speakers. Google Hangouts: Breakdown

6. Helping with Cultural Diversity • Employee surveys revealed that some of the issues with women in the workplace stem from stereotypes. • By having more face-to-face exchanges these employees can benefit from interacting more with female employees. • These more frequent interactions can help break stereotypes that women don’t belong in the workplace. • These communications can help build trust based upon knowledge rather than assumptions. Google Hangouts: In the Workplace

7. Helping with Language Diversity • Non-native English speakers struggle with everyday idioms used in the workplace such as, “Hit the nail on the head”, “Dog-eat-dog world”, “piece of cake” etc. • By being immersed daily via chats and video conferences non-native English speakers can develop the language skills needed to understand more phrases. Google Hangouts: In the Workplace

8. Helping with Age Diversity • According to the surveys the age issue stems mostly from insecurity from the older employees. • More face-to-face interaction can help build trust between the newer, younger employees and the veterans of the company. • By connecting and sharing problems and solutions the employees can continue striving towards building Telecom USA’s future. Google Hangouts: In the Workplace

9. Google Hangouts: In Depth Web Conference Allows Up To 10 Users Available To Use On Several Devices Works Directly From Your Gmail Account Messaging Feature Available On PC’s & Laptops

10. URL: https://translate.google.com/about/intl/en_ALL/ Cost: Free Technical Specifications: Available on PC, laptops, & mobile devices. Speech-to-text and write feature available only on mobile devices. Google Translate: Breakdown

11. Helping with Language Diversity • Even though the majority of new employees speak English, some still struggle to grasp some words, and others need more help in translating some of the more technical paperwork. • By using Google Translate through a mobile device words get easily translated on the device’s screen. • This allows employees to focus on completing tasks rather than waste time translating and thus increasing productivity. Google Translate: In the Workplace

12. Helping with Cultural Diversity • Part of the problem discovered by the assessment came from the new employees struggling to adapt with their new American co-workers. • Some of these insecurities originate from changing all the language to English. • Google Translate can easily translate words simply by typing them, and quickly producing the equivalent word. Google Translate: In the Workplace

13. Google Translate: In Depth Direct translation simply by aiming your device’s camera at the source Or just simply type or write in your native language, and get it translated immediately Use your device’s microphone to easily translate phrases

14. Google Hangouts Benefits • More face-to-face communication between co-workers to ease tension between cultural differences • Allows for faster sharing of ideas among co-workers • Mobility means flexibility in respecting cultural diversity • Google Translate Benefits • Less time spent translating equals more productivity • Speech-to-text feature allows ESL employees faster communication • Simple point-and-shoot translation means less mistakes in translation. Conclusion

15. References McMahon, L. (2013, July 8). 10 American English Idioms for a Smooth Day at Work. Retrieved July 14, 2015. Retrieved from: http://www.englishandculture.com/blog/bid/95130/10-American-English-Idioms-for-a-Smooth-Day-at-Work Millet, J. (n.d.). Understanding American Culture - From Melting Pot to Salad Bowl. Retrieved July 12, 2015. Retrieved from: http://www.culturalsavvy.com/understanding_american_culture.htm Press, A. (2004, September 7). Ageism in America. Retrieved July 16, 2015. Retrieved from: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/5868712/ns/health-aging/t/ageism-america/#.Vafy6_lVikp Young, A. (2015, March 16). India Women's Rights: Nearly A Third Of India's Big Companies Could Miss Deadline To Appoint Women To Corporate Boards. Retrieved July 13, 2015. Retrieved from: http://www.ibtimes.com/india-womens-rights-nearly-third-indias-big-companies-could-miss-deadline-appoint-1848206 References