In today’s diverse workforce, engaging and developing employees from all backgrounds is fundamental for an organization’s success. The Latino workforce is a vital part of the U.S. economy, comprising 17.3% of the U.S. labor force. There were 29 million Latino workers as of 2020, per the Department of Labor, and that number is projected to grow to 35.9 million by 2030. And as these new Latino workers continue to fuel the labor force, it is essential for organizations to be informed and adapt tried-and-true HR practices while incorporating some culturally competent innovations.
Understanding Acculturation
Understanding the level of acculturation is crucial when effectively engaging and communicating with Latinos and Spanish-speakers. Acculturation plays a significant role in shaping various aspects of their lives, including language use, news and information consumption, behavior, and habits.
The level of acculturation can determine the pace of career growth Latino employees experience. Language barriers, cultural adjustment, and navigating dual identities can present unique challenges and impact. Organizations can address these challenges by providing language support programs, cultural competency training, and resources to assist employees in adjusting to the workplace environment. Acknowledging and valuing the diverse experiences and backgrounds of employees, not just Latinos, can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace, promoting their career development and overall success.
Be mindful that the world is much smaller, and employees or team members from diverse backgrounds are more common than in years past- so ensuring that Human Resources, from the recruiter, generalist to the manager and Director level are appropriately trained in creating and fostering a welcoming environment, where, regardless of the accent, culture or acculturation level, the ownness to adapt is not always up to the incoming employee… sometimes the organization must adjust.
Impact of Mentorship on Career Development
A mentor is an invaluable resource for personal and professional growth for any employee. They can provide guidance, support, constructive feedback, and serve as trusted allies, fostering a relationship built on trust and confidentiality, assisting the employee as they navigate their careers. For Latino workers, mentors can also serve as role models; often inspiring and motivating the mentee to strive further. Mentorship programs can improve the onboarding and career development process, as well as helping to further diversify the pipeline of emerging leaders. The importance of a mentor lies in their ability to accelerate learning, inspire confidence, and empower individuals to reach their full potential, all while providing their expertise at no cost.
Professional Development Opportunities
Providing professional development opportunities is another critical tactic to develop and retain Latino employees since, by the nature of the investment, and through clear and direct communication with the employee, the organization is relaying their value and their commitment in his/her future by investing in his/her career. These professional development opportunities include:
- a) Training and Workshops: Offer tailored training sessions and workshops that address the specific needs (needs mentioned previously, potentially based on acculturation, language, or cultural differences to support the employee as needed) of Latino These sessions can focus on leadership development, communication skills, or cultural competency from the perspective of the Latino segment, conducted by vetted experts.
- b) Conferences and Networking Events: Encourage Latino employees to participate in industry conferences, trade association and networking events. These gatherings provide visibility, potential mentors, and career growth opportunities. Potential organizations include ALPFA, S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce or trade organizations relevant in your industry such as the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, the National Hispanic Medical Association, or the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, among others.
- c) Skill Enhancement for Career Advancement: Identify skills that are in demand within the organization and provide access to resources for employees to acquire or improve upon. This can be through online courses, certifications, or skill-based workshops.
Consider surveying your employees and solicit their input regarding their needs, such as: what courses are needed? What professional development content is missing? What certifications are of interest? What events are relevant? This simple ask increases interaction and engagement!
Other Options to Support Career Growth and Development
In addition to mentorship and professional development opportunities, there are other resources that can support the career growth and development of Latino employees. These include:
- a) Skills-based career pathways: Create clear and equitable career pathways that emphasize skill development rather than solely relying on traditional educational qualifications. This allows Latino employees to see the tangible steps needed for advancement within the organization.
- b) Cross-training and upskilling initiatives: With cross-training programs Latino employees can gain exposure to different departments and roles, whereas upskilling initiatives can provide inquisitive individuals a fast-track to access more complex or advanced skills, particularly relevant for higher-level positions.
- c) Employee Resource Groups: ERGs provide support, mentorship, and a sense of belonging, further improving the satisfaction of Latino employees, which in turn improves overall engagement. ERGs also aid in retaining top talent and identifying future leaders, fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Obviously, since you are reading this, you are part of an organization seeking to improve or maintain the overall engagement of your Latino workforce, and this article is a good first step. We can help you take the next steps. As leading experts in Latino engagement, we offer comprehensive initiatives that begin with an assessment to identify the source of your challenges. Or we can proceed to the solution-phase and support your hiring, retention and engagement efforts. As Latinos ourselves, with extensive experience, we can provide tailored recruitment support services and professional development training, in English o Español.
We know people matter. We can help.
Image: ©[ferrantraite] via iStock
