The success of your company depends on the success of your people. Many team members have diverse backgrounds that impact their foundational knowledge
“By ensuring every employee feels seen, respected, and equipped with the resources they need, leaders can boost productivity, reduce turnover, and cultivate a culture of empowerment and engagement,” says Telma Batres, HR and training specialist for Ruppert Landscape.
Batres will cover how to support your team members’ different educational needs and develop inclusive training and empowerment opportunities tailored specifically for Spanish-speaking employees during her session, “Creating Training, Mentoring and Empowerment for the Spanish-Speaking Workforce” on Monday, Nov. 3, at 9:45 a.m. at ELEVATE.
“Participants will walk away with practical strategies for recognizing and respectfully addressing educational gaps within their workforce, especially among Spanish-speaking team members,” Batres says. “They’ll learn how to ask, not assume, about team members’ needs and how to create training and mentoring opportunities that are inclusive and impactful.”
Batres will also share real success stories about how small, intentional efforts can build trust, unlock potential, and strengthen both individuals and the company as a whole.
Identifying Education Gaps
Many employees, including those who are Spanish-speaking, may not have had access to the same essential educational programs that cover life skills like health education, financial planning, and personal safety as their managers and peers.
“These gaps can impact confidence, safety, and performance,” Batres says. “Acknowledging and addressing them not only helps level the playing field but also signals respect, inclusion, and a commitment to each person’s growth. When companies bridge these gaps, they’re investing in their people, which ultimately strengthens the entire organization.”
Batres says owners and managers first need to establish trust in order for team members to be willing to open up about areas they are struggling.
“Regular check-ins, anonymous surveys, and one-on-one conversations — conducted with empathy — help uncover needs without making anyone feel singled out,” Batres says. “The goal is to make asking for help feel like a sign of strength, not weakness.”
She recommends engaging bilingual team members or mentors who can bridge language and cultural differences with Spanish-speaking employees.
Empowering Spanish-Speaking Workers
If you want to develop inclusive training and mentorship opportunities for your Spanish-speaking workers, start with empathy and curiosity. Batres says that something that may feel basic or ‘common sense’ for one person might be unfamiliar to those with a different background.
Incorporating bilingual materials, culturally relevant examples, and hands-on learning opportunities can all help support your team members.
“Acknowledge and honor the challenges many employees face, such as leaving family behind or navigating immigration-related fears, while providing concrete tools for growth,” Batres says. “Inclusion isn’t just about access to information; it’s about creating a safe, respectful environment where every employee can thrive.”
Some of the resources you should consider offering include:
- Language learning programs to improve English proficiency or expand bilingual capabilities.
- Life skills training that covers health education, financial planning, and personal safety.
- Job-specific certifications that can lead to promotions and higher wages.
- Company knowledge sessions that clearly explain policies, benefits, and expectations in an accessible way.
- Mentorship opportunities that pair employees with leaders who can guide their professional growth.
Batres says in addition to the resources available through NALP, you can also turn to local libraries, community colleges, workforce development centers, and adult education programs for leadership courses, ESL classes and technical training.
“Building these connections not only provides resources but demonstrates the company’s commitment to community and employee success,” she says.
Batres says when employees feel valued, respected, and equipped with the skills they need, businesses often see reduced turnover, stronger engagement, higher productivity, and better safety outcomes.
“Beyond business metrics, investing in people creates loyalty, fosters innovation, and builds a workplace culture where every team member feels proud to contribute,” Batres says. “These benefits ripple outward, positively impacting families, communities, and the company’s reputation.”
Ready to make a lasting difference by investing in your Spanish-speaking workers? Register for ELEVATE and we’ll see you in Phoenix, Arizona!
