Bridging Language Gaps Can Improve Efficiency on Jobsites

Language barriers on job sites are sneaky thieves.

Home builders may think they have an operational issue, but it could be a communication gap stealing time, production, and money. Chris Chuang, CEO of Relay, a cloud-based platform for AI-powered real-time digital communication, says language gaps are a costly issue that affects both English and non-English speaking employees.

Chuang believes that technology is the key to eliminating this job site hurdle and empowering workers to lead more connected jobsites. He shares more on the problem, including data from Relay’s recent study, below.

How are language barriers on job sites a hidden inefficiency?

Language barriers are the quiet saboteur of productivity for all employees. It's all about opportunity cost. For example, if a worker with limited English proficiency identifies a production issue or potential safety hazard, they need to find a bilingual worker to then find the appropriate supervisor to discuss the issue. That is valuable time from three different workers who are pulled from their typical daily tasks to navigate a language barrier. This opportunity cost of labor often goes unnoticed, not to mention increased operational downtime and safety risks, which are significantly more impactful on a company's profit margin.

What could these barriers cost businesses?

According to Relay’s recent study, “The Hidden Costs of Language Barriers in Industrial Settings,” 86% of manufacturing professionals report productivity losses due to language gaps, yet these inefficiencies are often misattributed to operational slowdowns rather than communication breakdowns. This includes wasted time, decreased productivity, higher operational costs, and the financial impact of mistakes that could have been prevented with clearer communication. Additional inefficiencies include the fact that bilingual employees are pulled away from their primary duties to translate, which impacts their productivity and creates bottlenecks. Limited English-speaking employees spend an average of 6.5 hours a week trying to communicate via a translator. This translates to over $4,900 in lost labor costs per employee that needs translation to do their job.

Outside of monetary losses, what other risks can job site language gaps present?

Beyond financial impact, language barriers can create serious safety risks. Workplace injuries cost the U.S. economy $167 billion annually, with OSHA estimating that language barriers contribute to 25% of safety incidents. Misunderstood safety protocols, missed hazard warnings, and difficulties reporting issues all heighten risks. Additionally, communication fosters a sense of belonging and engagement. Language gaps can also contribute to low morale and high turnover, as workers may feel frustrated or excluded if they struggle to communicate effectively.

What is something people may not realize about language barriers on job sites?

Walkie-talkies and outdated tools don’t allow for seamless translation or message clarity, meaning frontline teams often rely on informal methods that aren’t reliable. If your company pays for full-time or contracted translators, you might think this doesn't apply to you. However, our research suggests these hidden costs are still materially present and have virtually no impact on reducing them. We hear from our customers that workers with limited English proficiency can be hesitant to speak up and ask questions during training and stand ups, even if they don't fully understand the directions. This can cause downstream effects on productivity and safety.

How can employers improve language barriers/provide a more connected work environment?

Traditional walkie-talkies and printed translations are no longer sustainable on worksites. These tools are unreliable, lack real-time adaptability, and leave workers with ineffective or delayed communication. Employers can implement real-time digital communication tools designed for frontline teams, like Relay’s cloud-based platform, which provides automated audio and visual translation with real-time visibility into operations. Training programs and multilingual safety protocols also help. Still, the key is empowering workers with technology that eliminates inefficiencies at the source – ensuring everyone, regardless of language, stays connected, and informed.