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Conversation tables: language as a connecting factor

30 October 2024
Joni Henrard Communication Manager Connect on Linkedin
Jolien Tuytens Management Assistant Connect on Linkedin

Pardon my French. Je n’ai pas compris. Wat zeg je? Language can often be a barrier, a hindrance in communicating with others. It can fuel certain insecurities and create noise on the communication line. But it doesn’t always have to be that way. Language can also be a way to connect or serve as an inspiration. At TriFinance and TriHD, learning culture goes far beyond hard skills and technical (professional) knowledge. To break down this language barrier and work on their soft skills at the same time, we immerse our employees in an informal language ‘bath’: the conversation tables.

Conversation quoi?

A conversation table is a moment during which consultants, who are briefly between projects and want to work on their soft skills, practice a language (Dutch, English or French) together in an informal setting, with a topic that feels familiar to everyone.

From quoi to oui, j’ai bien compris

As a consultant, you often work in international companies and multicultural environments, where different languages are spoken. And this is also the case at TriFinance and TriHD. Often, you already speak two languages, but once you are addressed in the language of which you don't yet know all the basics, you might feel insecure. It is precisely this threshold that we tackle during the conversation tables, together with consultants who are between projects and want to work on their soft skills.

Podcast: ‘Learning Culture’

At TriFinance and TriHD we truly value a learning culture. This is essential for the growth of our employees. In this podcast, Inge Arys (Talent Manager, TriFinance) and Ingrid Tokaruk (Global Learning & Development Advisor at Cegeka) discuss how a learning culture fosters curiosity. They explore the value of a broad approach to learning and its integration into all processes and highlight the importance of ownership from employees, managers, and the business in co-creating learning initiatives.

Listen to the podcast here

A conversation table is organized in English, Dutch or French, and accompanied by a native speaker. “The main idea is to create a safe and informal setting, with a topic or activity that feels familiar to everyone. Think of board games, a speed dating concept or a hot topic that made the latest news. The focus at each conversation table is mainly on the fun aspect, so that everyone feels comfortable speaking up,” explains Jolien Tuytens, Management Assistant at TriFinance & TriHD. “Today, the initiative is mainly supported by the business unit in Zaventem, as we are a multilingual community and located in an environment with many international companies and therefore also different languages. But other units within TriFinance & TriHD can also join this initiative, and thus have a taste of the benefits of learning a new language.”

A conversation table contributes to the consultant’s personal development and is the perfect way to further hone your soft skills

Nina Collier, Talent Partner at TriFinance & TriHD

A plus on your professional ‘passport’

Participating in a conversation table and learning a new language is also a great addition and plus for the professional ‘passport’ of each consultant. “It can open doors in your professional career, but it also contributes to your personal development. At TriFinance & TriHD, the growth and ambition of the consultant is key and you are encouraged to challenge and develop yourself, again and again. The conversation tables are therefore the perfect way for consultants to hone their soft skills,” adds Nina Collier (Talent Partner at TriFinance & TriHD).

It’s exactly these little things that make you feel more comfortable, especially in an international context

Vincent Vandegard, Project Consultant

Learning a language obviously doesn’t happen overnight, but by regularly participating in a conversation table, you quickly build a new kind of sense of confidence. “I felt it was important to challenge myself during my time between projects and work on my soft skills, among other things. When I heard that these conversation tables were being organized, where you engage in conversation with colleagues in another language in a playful manner, I immediately decided to take part. It’s exactly these little things that make you feel more comfortable, especially in an international context,” explains Vincent Vandegard (Participant and Project Consultant at TriFinance).