Speaking Spanish at Work: More Than Words, It's About Connection

One of my students —a photographer— works with a lot of Hispanic kids and wanted to be able to connect with them better. He's still a beginner, so I created a simple Spanish guide with key phrases he could use while directing them for photos.

Getting your photo taken can be intimidating!

The next week in class, he told me:

✨ “I have gotten so much use out of the guide you made. It's so great, because as soon as I speak Spanish, you can actually see the kids physically relax. And I’ve even gotten some good laughs out of them!”

A few simple words—that’s all it took to change how these kids experienced their photoshoot.

💡 That’s the power of speaking someone’s language, even imperfectly. It’s not about flawless Spanish—it’s about making people feel seen, valued, and at ease.

Why Using Spanish at Work Matters

(Even If You’re Not Fluent)

Think about the last time someone made an effort to speak your native language.

Maybe you ran into an issue while traveling somewhere where you don't have a great command of the language, and a local was able to bridge that gap for you. Maybe a coworker learned how to pronounce your name correctly.

💡 How did it make you feel? Probably respected, included, and more comfortable.

That’s exactly what happens when you use Spanish in your workplace.

• It creates trust—people feel like you’re making an effort for them.

• It reduces anxiety—especially for those who may feel uncomfortable in an English-dominant space.

• It makes interactions smoother—which is good for customer service, teamwork, and even leadership.

And the best part? You don’t have to be fluent to make an impact.

The Science Behind Why This Works

What’s happening when my student speaks Spanish to the kids he photographs? It’s not just about language— it’s about connection.

Linguists call this Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT)—the idea that we naturally adjust how we communicate to reduce social distance and build rapport.

✔ When we shift our language to match someone else’s, even in small ways, it fosters trust.

✔ It signals respect and effort, which deepens relationships.

✔ People feel more at ease, leading to better interactions in any workplace.

And it’s not just anecdotal—linguistic research backs it up, too. Studies show that adjusting how we communicate can have a measurable impact on teamwork, trust, and workplace relationships.

A 2021 study by Presbitero examined global teams working together virtually through platforms like Zoom and Slack. He found that when colleagues had a higher level of cultural intelligence (awareness of other cultures), they were more likely to adjust their communication style to match their colleagues.

Why does this matter? Because this adaptation—called convergence—directly impacted how well teams worked together and how effectively they set group norms.

💡 The same principle applies to speaking Spanish at work. Even a small effort—like greeting someone in their language—makes people feel more comfortable, improving collaboration, trust, and teamwork.

In my student’s case, just a few Spanish phrases transformed how the kids responded to him. They relaxed, laughed, and felt seen. That’s the power of meeting someone where they are—linguistically and emotionally.

How to Start Using Spanish at Work

(Even If You’re a Beginner)

If you’re thinking, “I’d love to do this, but my Spanish isn’t good enough…”—you’re not alone.

Here’s the secret: You don’t need perfect grammar to make an impact. Just start small.

1. Learn Key Phrases for Your Job

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, focus on a few high-impact phrases you’ll actually use.

📷 Photographers:

• Mira aquí, por favor. (Look here, please.)

• Sonríe grande. (Big smile!)

• ¡Muy bien! (Great job!)

🏥 Healthcare Workers:

• ¿Dónde le duele? (Where does it hurt?)

• Respire profundo. (Take a deep breath.)

• Voy a ayudarle. (I’m going to help you.)

🍽️ Servers & Retail Workers:

• Bienvenidos, ¿cómo están? (Welcome, how are you?)

• ¿Algo más? (Anything else?)

• Gracias por venir. (Thanks for coming.)

  
  

2.Use Habit Stacking to Make it Stick

Want to make Spanish a habit? Try habit stacking—pairing your learning with something you already do.

✔ If you drive to work → Listen to a short Spanish for your profession podcast, like medical Spanish, workplace Spanish, or customer service phrases.

✔ If you drink coffee every morning → Review 2-3 Spanish phrases you can use at work (e.g., greetings, small talk, or job-specific terms).

✔ If you work with Spanish-speaking colleagues or customers → Commit to greeting them in Spanish (Buenos días, ¿cómo estás?) and using one new phrase per day in conversation.

✔ If you send emails at work → Try adding a simple Spanish closing (Gracias, Saludos, Que tengas un buen día).

✔ If you use a work app like Slack or Teams → Save common Spanish workplace phrases in your notes for quick reference when communicating.

✔ If you take lunch breaks with colleagues → Challenge yourself to start a simple conversation with a Spanish-speaking coworker.

✔ If you use a clipboard, notepad, or work device → Add a sticky note with a useful phrase you want to practice that day.

Small, consistent actions lead to big results over time.

Final Thoughts: Language Is a Bridge

You don’t need to be fluent to build trust, create connection, and bring a little joy into someone’s day.

✨ A simple “Buenos días” can make someone feel welcome.

✨ A small effort can break down barriers.

✨ And a few words in Spanish can transform your workplace.

And listen—if you want structured support, I’ve got you! My classes aren’t just practical; they’re actually fun (I promise!).

👉 Check out my Spanish classes here! https://www.spanishalive.org/community-classes

💬 I’d love to hear— have you ever had an experience where speaking someone’s language (or them speaking yours) totally changed the dynamic? Leave a comment below!