Can employers adopt policies that require employees to speak only English in the workplace?
Under limited circumstances, an English-only rule may be imposed if it is needed to promote the safe and efficient operation of the employer’s business. Some situations in which business necessity would justify an English-only rule include: communications with customers, co-workers, or supervisors who only speak English; emergency situations in which workers must speak a common language to promote safety; and, cooperative work assignments in which a common language is needed to promote efficiency. An employer’s use of an English-only rule should relate to specific circumstances in the workplace and should not apply to off-duty time (such as meal breaks) or interactions in non-work areas (such as break rooms).
