Vehicle manufacturer Nissan has enabled its 6,000 employees at its Sunderland Plant to learn sign language to support deaf colleagues.
Four employees who work at the plant’s vehicle production zone are deaf and struggled with the communication and interaction needed for the role. To combat these challenges, Nissan carried out a full review and discovered that staff wanted to learn to sign to ensure everyone felt included and part of the team.
Following this, 10 members of the team went on an 11-week course at their request to learn the basics of sign language. They have since taught others how to sign, with plans for training to be rolled out across the plant in place.
In addition, the production zone was overhauled so activities such as training, meetings and briefings include visual aids. Sign language interpreters are also regularly brought on site.
Michael Jude, HR director at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, said: “Communication is key to teamwork, but we also want all our people to feel included and be their best at work. We’ve had deaf operators before and have, of course, made adjustments to make their workspaces safe and practical. But, as a group, this team wanted to go a step further. These improvements enable the operators to grow and follow the same path as other staff within the team. It’s a fantastic example of our people pulling together and going that extra mile to support each other.”
Michael Connolly, one of Nissan’s deaf operators, added: “In the past, there has been a breakdown in communication due to a language barrier; part of the barrier has now been removed. Morale between the team is much improved and it’s been fantastic to see the team so enthusiastic about learning sign language.”
