How do you make change at work a positive experience?

At journaway we’re in the middle of a significant transformation. Historically German-speaking, the company is transitioning to working primarily in English. At an office where you regularly overhear conversations in all kinds of languages from German to Dutch to Ukrainian and Russian, English is rapidly becoming a much needed default.

But how do you get people to feel comfortable working in a new language?

  • You survey current language proficiency.
  • You create a flexible policy.
  • You set up a training plan.
  • You facilitate remote practice sessions.
  • You start switching workspaces to English in order to avoid constant micro context switching.

Or, if you’re Benjamin Schmidt, you rent the local cinema and invite employees, friends and the community to an English film night, including free popcorn, drinks and a raffle. 🍿🍻😍

Mad respect how you pulled this off, Ben. 🤘🏻

Branded black popcorn bucket with white logo font on a blurred backdrop of a cinema screen showing an event flyer in red and black with white serif font spelling “Movie Night”