Meeting the training challenge of cross-cultural differences.

So if your training and education needs are complicated with a workforce that more and more reflects national origins other than the United States, the following strategies may help: Use a "hands-on" approach. People learn and remember what they do. Use pictures to reinforce and clarify. Be consistent, patient, and respectful. Check regularly for understanding. Promote safety with consistency, careful listening, and a variety of oral, written, and pictorial media. Look for products that are easy to use and that reduce procedural steps. Simplify processes. Use color coding to decrease confusion. The changing demographics of the workforce create both challenges and opportunities. Successfully overcoming challenges such as establishing appropriate systems, training a diverse group of associates, and encouraging safe work habits can increase productivity, reduce costs, and generate a creative work environment. Suppliers and product manufacturers can often be valuable partners in this process.