Translating Employee Handbooks for Non-English Speakers
Q: Are we required to translate our employee handbook into other languages for employees that are not literate in English?
A: There’s no requirement to translate your employee handbook into other languages for non-English speakers. However, you do need to make sure employees who aren’t literate in English understand important information included in the employee handbook (e.g., grievance procedures, how to report harassment, drug-free workplace rules, and reporting absences).
If a large portion of a district’s employee population speak and read another language, districts with access to translation services may opt to translate their employee handbook.
Some HR department administrators choose to conduct HR updates each year and provide staff an overview of the employee handbook including changes. Conducting these updates in English and another language can help bring clarity for those who aren’t literate in English. These sessions could be run concurrently or in addition to an English presentation.
Using the translator option on the district website also may be helpful. Although it typically will not translate the employee handbook, it may translate individual components. Placing the most crucial portions of the handbook, as listed above, individually on the website, would provide the non-English speaking employees access to important information. Communicating and demonstrating this process in the HR update could also be helpful.
![Karen Dooley](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/37044744-256f-009a-8039-e00bdaabaf39/af4f8143-c894-4045-88df-1566d9b005f2/Dooley_Karen-330x330.png)
Karen Dooley
Karen Dooley joined HR Services in 2016. She provides oversight to a team of consultants providing staffing services, HR reviews, and other projects. She provides training and assists school districts with their HR-related needs. Dooley is a seasoned administrator with more than 17 years of HR experience in Central Texas districts as a coordinator, director, and assistant superintendent. She also worked as an assistant principal, counselor, and teacher, and holds a superintendent certificate.
Dooley received her master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University and her bachelor’s degree from Texas State University.
HR Services
![HRX Logo](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/37044744-256f-009a-8039-e00bdaabaf39/f1695437-2278-4c80-a234-64b9cf2885d0/HRX%20logo%20on%20white%20background.png)
Subscribe to HRX
Stay up to date with all the latest HR news and trends by joining the HRX mailing list!