Supermarket chain takes unique approach to workforce development

ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) – A major supermarket chain has expanded its Spanish language classes for its employees. The program is meant to assist supervisors with communicating with their Spanish speaking teammates.

Price Chopper/Market32 said they have been offering on-site Spanish classes to address the language barrier with a growing Spanish speaking workforce at its distribution center.

After a successful pilot program the company announced it would be expanded. It’s through the Capital Region Language Center, where Kim Andersen is the founder and director.

“You know we really applaud Price Chopper for recognizing the role that language learning plays in creating community within the workplace, enhancing cultural connections, and attracting and retaining employees,” said Andersen.

Supervisors were eager to take the class, like Kayla St. Andrews. “If they have questions, they don’t have to wait for somebody else to come step in and help us understand what they’re asking, what they’re seeking. We will be able to do it ourselves,” said St. Andrews.

Supervisors from the Distribution Services and HR were among the departments attending the classes. The goal is to have supervisors who can connect on a language level with their colleagues. Employees like Herman Figueroa have been asked to translate.

“It’s challenging, but the good thing about it is that I can speak both, so I can help them all,” said Figueroa.

He’s also assisting in the language class by having conversations in Spanish. Figueroa said they’ve already noticed improvements on the job and Spanish speaking teammates are happier.

“They feel good about it. It makes them feel at home here,” said Figueroa. St. Andrews echoed that. “They were excited. you will see many more smiles as we’re practicing with them. they are thrilled to be a part of that and seeing that it’s taking place here,” said St. Andrews.

The distribution center has 865 employees and the company estimates 10 percent of those employees only speak Spanish.

“What I was told by price chopper is that it was one of the best professional development opportunities that they’ve offered,” said Andersen.

Andersen said sharing a common language is critical for laying a foundation of clear communication and leads to employee loyalty to the company

“Kudos to Price Chopper for taking this on. I think it really shows their commitment to their team,” said Andersen.