{"id":2814,"date":"2026-08-06T20:39:23","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T11:39:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/?p=2814"},"modified":"2026-08-06T20:39:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T11:39:24","slug":"%e5%a4%96%e5%9b%bd%e4%ba%ba%e5%8a%b4%e5%83%8d%e8%80%85%e3%81%a8%e3%81%ae%e3%82%b3%e3%83%9f%e3%83%a5%e3%83%8b%e3%82%b1%e3%83%bc%e3%82%b7%e3%83%a7%e3%83%b3%e5%95%8f%e9%a1%8c%e3%81%af%e3%81%a9%e3%81%86","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/en\/archives\/2814","title":{"rendered":"How to resolve communication problems with foreign workers? Practical approaches to prevent turnover due to language barriers and promote retention and success."},"content":{"rendered":"

The current state of "communication problems" arising with foreign workers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u201c"In recent years, against the backdrop of labor shortages caused by the declining birthrate and aging population, there has been a rapid increase in companies accepting foreign workers as specified skilled workers or technical interns. While these workers are expected to be diligent and hardworking, many workplaces are facing 'communication problems'."<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem is not simply a superficial issue of "not being able to communicate in Japanese," but rather serious situations are occurring on-site, such as "instructions not being properly conveyed" and "near misses occurring due to miscommunication of subtle nuances in safety checks." Language barriers not only reduce work efficiency but also directly lead to isolation and early resignation of foreign workers, making it a management issue that companies cannot overlook.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The "I understand" trap: Why instructions don't get communicated correctly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of the most frequent problems on the job site is foreign workers pretending to understand. They respond with "I understand" when given instructions, but in reality they don't understand, and mistakes are discovered later.

This situation is not simply due to a lack of Japanese language proficiency, but is deeply intertwined with cultural factors. Many workers, especially those from Asian countries, face strong psychological pressure, believing that "asking a superior for clarification is rude" and "saying you don't understand will make you seem incompetent and lower your evaluation." As a result, even if they don't understand the content, they reflexively answer "Yes, I understand" to get through the situation. Criticizing them for "why don't they ask if they don't understand" without understanding this underlying structure will not lead to a fundamental solution.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Confusion on the job site caused by specialized jargon and "ambiguous Japanese."<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Even if you can speak Japanese at a conversational level (around JLPT N4), it doesn't necessarily mean you can accurately understand work-related instructions. Japanese workplaces are full of expressions that are extremely difficult for foreigners to understand.

For example, demonstrative pronouns like "that" and "it," and highly contextual, ambiguous expressions like "just do it however you like" or "please do it in a good way." These rely on the reader understanding the context and unspoken nuances, making them difficult for Japanese language learners to grasp. Furthermore, their confusion deepens in workplaces where industry-specific jargon and abbreviations are commonplace. Business communication requires entirely different skills than everyday conversation, and it is essential to consider how to rephrase things in a way that is easily understood (easy Japanese) for the recipient.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Three major risks that companies face by neglecting the "language barrier"<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Ignoring communication problems with the assumption that "they'll get better over time" is extremely dangerous for businesses. This article explains three major risks caused by language barriers.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
1. Declining productivity and burnout among Japanese staff<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Miscommunication of instructions directly leads to rework and defective products, significantly reducing productivity on the factory floor. However, even more serious is the "hidden risk" of burnout among Japanese staff.

On-site supervisors (such as Japanese team leaders) who have to repeatedly explain the same things to people who don't speak their language, and cover up mistakes that occur, experience excessive stress. They are unable to concentrate on their actual work, and the burden of instruction increases, which in the worst case could lead to the departure of excellent Japanese staff who support the workplace.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
2. Risk of workplace accidents and near misses (crisis in safety management)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In manufacturing, construction, and other industrial settings, a lack of communication can immediately lead to a "life-threatening situation." The failure to convey the subtle nuances of safety instructions and hazard prediction (KY) activities is the biggest factor causing serious workplace accidents.

For example, if emergency instructions such as "Watch out!" or "Stop!" are not understood in the event of a machine malfunction, or if prohibitions such as "Never press this switch" are not accurately communicated, irreversible accidents may occur. From a safety management perspective, clear communication is an essential condition that cannot be compromised.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
3. Decreased motivation due to feelings of isolation and "early resignation"<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Language barriers not only hinder work performance but also cast a dark shadow over workplace relationships. When foreign workers are unable to join in casual conversations during breaks and have no one to confide in, they gradually become increasingly isolated.

The feeling of loneliness, the thought that "I'm not needed in this workplace," significantly reduces motivation. As a result, employees tend to gravitate towards workplaces with more colleagues from their hometown or those offering slightly higher salaries, directly leading to early departures (a decline in employee retention rates). When newly hired employees don't stay, it's a waste of recruitment costs and represents a significant loss for the company.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
How to Choose Japanese Language Training to Retain and Help Foreign Employees Succeed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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To overcome these challenges and ensure the retention and success of foreign employees, it is essential for companies to provide appropriate Japanese language education opportunities. This article explains a comparison of specific training methods and how to choose the right one.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The limitations of in-house training and a comparison of external training (in-person and online)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
First, the approach of having Japanese staff teach Japanese in their spare time has its limitations. While Japanese people can speak Japanese, they are not "professionals at teaching Japanese." Furthermore, conducting training alongside regular work further increases the burden on staff.

Therefore, it is common to introduce external Japanese language training. There are two main options: "in-person training (instructor dispatch)" and "online training." In-person training is highly effective because it allows for direct instruction, but it is costly and coordinating everyone's schedules is a major hurdle. On the other hand, online training is highly flexible, but it tends to rely on the learner's self-motivation.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
For companies with shift work and multiple locations, e-learning is the optimal solution.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and food service, where employees have irregular working hours (shift work) or multiple locations, it is not practical to gather everyone in one place for training.

In this environment, e-learning is the most effective option. Because you can learn using a smartphone or tablet without being restricted by time or location, you can effectively utilize spare time, such as after night shifts or during breaks. First, solidifying your Japanese language fundamentals through self-study is the first step towards improving communication in the workplace.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Ensuring opportunities for both "input" and "output (conversation)"<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
However, a common weakness of typical e-learning is the lack of conversation practice (output). Simply watching videos and inputting knowledge will not develop the ability to actually speak in real-world situations.

This is where a "hybrid" training model becomes crucial, combining input learning through e-learning with output opportunities such as online interviews. Only by actually using what they've learned aloud and receiving feedback from professional instructors can it be transformed into "practical Japanese language skills that can be used in the workplace."<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
For improving communication with foreign employees, try "Plat Clover".<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Plat Clover, an e-learning platform, is the optimal solution for resolving communication challenges with foreign workers and supporting their retention and success.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
A practical curriculum developed by Clover Academy, which has a 33-year history.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Plat Clover is a service developed by Clover Academy, a Japanese language school established in 1990, by condensing its experience teaching over 3,000 students and its practical know-how.

Based on our many years of educational experience, we emphasize ensuring that foreign learners acquire practical Japanese language skills. Our curriculum is designed to progress gradually from beginner to elementary levels, starting with the basics like hiragana and katakana, and progressing smoothly to everyday conversation phrases. We also provide information on "Japanese for daily life" and Japanese culture and customs, supporting adaptation not only to the workplace but also to daily life.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Developing "communication skills" through a hybrid approach of e-learning and online interviews.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The most distinctive feature of Plat Clover is its hybrid learning system that combines input and output.

Our learning materials utilize animation and game-based content, creating an environment where students can enjoy learning and continue studying even during short breaks in their day. Furthermore, online consultations are held at key learning milestones, where professional instructors check students' understanding and provide support tailored to their individual needs. This support system ensures that we don't overlook the common problem of students pretending to understand, and instead cultivate genuine speaking ability.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Specialized for A1-B1 levels, available in 4 languages, and at approximately 1\/3 the cost of in-person training.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It specializes in acquiring the most essential basic skills needed in the field, and with native language support in four languages\u2014English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Nepali\u2014it is designed to be less likely to cause frustration even for beginners.

Furthermore, despite offering such a comprehensive learning environment and support system, it can be implemented at an overwhelmingly cost-effective price\u2014approximately one-third the cost of in-person training. Retaining foreign employees requires the integrated development of "learning, systems, environment, and management." Why not use Plat Clover to improve communication while minimizing the burden on your team? Experience the benefits for yourself with a free trial.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
First, please sign up for a free trial\/demo of Clover Academy's Plat Clover. We will support the retention and success of your foreign employees.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\uff3c Try it for free first! \uff0f<\/p>\n  
Sign up for a free trial\/demo at Clover Academy's Plat Clover.<\/h3>\n  
We support the retention and success of your foreign employees. Please experience our Japanese e-learning service developed by Clover Academy, which has over 33 years of educational experience.<\/p>\n  Sign up for a free trial \u2192<\/a>\n  
* After you apply, a representative will contact you.<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u5916\u56fd\u4eba\u52b4\u50cd\u8005\u3068\u306e\u9593\u306b\u751f\u3058\u308b\u300c\u30b3\u30df\u30e5\u30cb\u30b1\u30fc\u30b7\u30e7\u30f3\u554f\u984c\u300d\u306e\u73fe\u72b6 “\u8fd1\u5e74\u3001\u5c11\u5b50\u9ad8\u9f62\u5316\u306b\u3088\u308b\u4eba\u624b\u4e0d\u8db3\u3092\u80cc\u666f […]","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2817,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-company"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2814","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2814"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2814\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2819,"href":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2814\/revisions\/2819"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2817"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2814"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2814"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.plat-clover.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2814"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}