Grand Rapids Chair Uses Workplace ESL to Remove Barriers

Workplace ESL classes have become an important strategy to increase employee engagement for Grand Rapids Chair, with excellent results over more than eight years of partnership with the Literacy Center of West Michigan. 

“At GR Chair, we believe the strength of our company comes from the people who build our products every day,” said Geoff Miller, President and CEO. “Offering ESL classes helps remove barriers so everyone can communicate, contribute ideas, and feel a deeper sense of belonging.”

That sense of belonging translates to better results and a stronger culture for the growing company. Language barriers were getting in the way of the growing company’s culture and cohesion. As employees gained confidence in English, they asked more questions and showed greater engagement in all of the company’s initiatives, like safety and training opportunities, ultimately leading to promotions.

Improving employees’ English language confidence had a notable impact on both employees and supervisors, reliably improving quality, safety, and problem-solving. Human Resources Vice President Diane Timmer shares, “People are drawn to the classes, and once they’re in, you start to see them open up. Being part of a small group, learning alongside coworkers, makes a difference. Having those same learning buddies at work every day really helps it stick.”

Grand Rapids Chair has benefited from that sticky learning, too. They have sent employees to other classes offered by the Literacy Center of West Michigan, such as a Machine CNC certification with integrated English training, and hired graduates of that program as well. The Literacy Center is pleased to partner with more than a dozen employers annually to remove barriers for hundreds of skilled workers.

Learn more about Customized Workplace English classes for your employees by contacting Marcus Little, senior director of programs, at info@literacycenterwm.org.