There is no universal template for the multilingual workplace, even for expert work. That said, at least three different language solutions can be observed in multilingual working communities at Finnish workplaces. The benefits (+) and disadvantages (–) of these solutions are presented next. 

Language Solution A: Let's all speak English 

Benefits 

+ Usually everyone knows English

English is the most widely known foreign language in the Finnish context, being part of the linguistic repertoire of many working-age individuals. 

+ English is seen as an egalitarian option

English is often viewed as the egalitarian choice: is often used as a shared language in situations in which participants do not speak English as their first language.

Disadvantages

– Differences also exist in English proficiency (latent inequality)

Not everyone is fluent in English and using it can be stressful. Lack of language proficiency may threaten individuals’ professional identity or career progress opportunities. 

– Inconsistent language skills could undermine the quality of work (e.g. ideation)

Brainstorming solutions is easier using one’s native language, and therefore a solely English-speaking workplace can impede this.

– Glass ceiling: a lack of Finnish skills can impede career advancement

Even in a work community that has English as the official language, a lack of skills in the local language makes it more difficult to adapt and integrate into a new country. Those with no proficiency in Finnish may find themselves touching a glass ceiling.

Language solution B: Speak (and learn) Finnish 

Those who speak Finnish as a second language are given opportunities to improve their proficiency in Finnish. Improving language proficiency consequently improves opportunities for career progression. 

Benefits 

+ Finnish-speaking employees can use their strongest language

For Finnish-speakers, working in Finnish is less stressful and may improve the quality of their work.

+ Finnish can also be used as a language of external communication

When Finnish is the main language of a workplace, it is also natural to handle external communications in Finnish. 

+ Opportunity to learn Finnish at work

Those who speak Finnish as a second language are given opportunities to improve their proficiency in Finnish. Improving language proficiency consequently improves opportunities for career progression. 

Disadvantages 

– Threat to professional identity: skills and knowledge do not always come out in Finnish

Many feel that they are unable to perform their duties as trained professionals in their own fields with imperfect language proficiency, and that their expertise does not always come out when they speak Finnish. 

– It can be stressful and time-consuming for the language learner

For a language learner, speaking and listening to their second language can be exhausting, and working using a new language can take more time than using their strongest language. 

Language Solution C: Multilingualism 

In some workplaces people switch languages flexibly according to the needs of the situation and those who are speaking. One concept is that of parallel lingualism – communicating by using two or more languages in parallel. There is also receptive multilingualism, which means that of the common languages, each person uses the one that is strongest for them when they speak.

Benefits 

+ Out of the agreed languages, everyone can use their strongest one

Each individual may use their native language or their strongest language of the agreed options. 

+ Optimisation: efficiency and ease

Translating workplace documents into different languages may often reduce unnecessary rambling and jargon. Clearer communication benefits the entire work community. 

Disadvantages 

– Requires proficiency in several languages and willingness to discuss languages

Receptive multilingualism requires the speakers to have at least a passive knowledge of each other’s strong languages. In addition, it would be good for those speaking to know each other’s language skills and what their goals in improving these skills might be.

– Calls for planning and resources (e.g. parallel lingualism)

Parallel lingualism brings practical challenges ranging from resources (translating all texts is expensive) to problems of attitude (mixing different languages can be seen as difficult).