Seeing and hearing your organisation use Welsh is a great way to show the public and your clients that they can use the language with you.
Your organisation’s ability to deal with people in Welsh will of course vary - but everyone can do something - and it's very easy to quickly improve if you don't currently offer a lot of Welsh-language services.
According to research by the Citizens Advice Bureau, 94% of fluent Welsh speakers considered that having a good Welsh language service helped an organisation make an impression. 90% of interviewees felt that being able to deal with a company in Welsh meant that they felt valued as customers.
Here are some ideas on how to use Welsh in the workplace - no matter what your linguistic ability.
Small powerful changes
- Use 'Bore da / Prynhawn da (Good morning / Good Afternoon)’. Don't worry if you can't continue the conversation in Welsh. Explain that although you do not speak the language you are supportive of Welsh as a company / artist.
- Make it easy for people to identify Welsh speakers. Order Iaith Gwaith (Working Welsh) badges. The badge shows who within your organisation can speak Welsh, making it easy for people to use the language with staff. Order your badges by emailing: post@cyg-wlc.cymru.
- Why not create a bilingual e-signature for your company or organisation? Have job titles in both languages and sign off using 'Cofion gorau (Best wishes)', or more formally, 'Yn gywir (Yours sincerely)'.
Medium term changes
- Why not learn a little Welsh or encourage your staff to do so? You may be completely new to the language or want to strengthen your existing skills. Excellent language courses are available for all levels of ability.
Many of us at the company are now learning Welsh. Most of our staff are using apps like Duolingo and it's quite competitive between us all. We also have regular Welsh language training and one-to-one support too.
The National Centre for Learning Welsh is responsible for the Welsh learning sector. The Centre supports and encourages everyone who wants to learn the language. A range of options are available to employers and their employees who want to learn Welsh.
Over time, could you develop a bilingual element to your work? This is exactly what Rubicon Dance did:
"My colleague, Anwen, is now confident enough [in her Welsh-speaking ability] to lead bilingual family dance sessions."
- Keep a record of the customers requesting a Welsh language service. Why not record customer language preference so that those who want information in Welsh can receive it in their language of choice.
Longer term changes
- Recruiting staff or volunteers with Welsh language skills: when you next recruit, why not include Welsh as an essential or desirable skill? If you are tendering for services - why not ask contractors to provide a Welsh language service?
We have recently entered into an agreement with Menter Iaith Sir Caerffili to share the services of a Digital Officer who is a fluent Welsh speaker. This has improved our ability to offer services in Welsh.