San Antonio: A Focus on Bilingual Benefits in Customer Service
In San Antonio, the importance of being bilingual is more than just a valuable skill; it’s a bridge that connects businesses with their diverse customer base. One service provider has taken that bridge and built a solid path for its employees, emphasizing how bilingualism enhances customer service while allowing workers to celebrate their cultural backgrounds.
A Personal Touch in it All
Meet Yolanda Gutierrez, a residential inbound sales agent for Spectrum who has been with the company for *eight years*. For Yolanda, being able to use her first language, Spanish, is more than just a job requirement—it’s about being proud of her Hispanic heritage. “I’m very proud of being Hispanic and Spanish as my first language,” Yolanda shares with a bright smile. “I’m able to communicate and help my Hispanic community understand and address their internet needs.”
Yolanda is one of the nearly 700 employees working at Spectrum’s inbound sales call center located near Military Drive. Interestingly, about half of these workers speak Spanish, handling calls from customers not only in Texas but from all across the United States.
The Demand for Bilingual Service
According to Paul Rodriguez, the vice president of inbound sales at Spectrum, there is a significant demand for bilingual support. He points out that “45 percent of our customers, who interact with our bilingual team, specifically request a Spanish-speaking agent.” This shows just how essential it is for businesses to not only hire bilingual staff but also recognize their contributions during critical periods like Hispanic Heritage Month.
Breaking Down Barriers
Paul continues to explain that providing service in a customer’s preferred language makes a world of difference. “We realize that the opportunity to do business with a customer in their preferred language goes a long way,” he adds. This sentiment hits home for Yolanda, who often hears customers express their frustrations with previous interactions when there was a language barrier. “I’ve had customers tell me they hung up on a previous agent who couldn’t understand them,” she explains. “Even with an interpreter on the line, they prefer speaking to a Spanish agent who can understand, explain, and assist them better.”
Community Connections
The job goes beyond just a single transaction. Often, happy customers will request that Yolanda help their family members, friends, or neighbors. “They say, ‘hey, can you help my next-door neighbor? Can you help my tia, my aunt?’” Yolanda shares, reflecting the joy she gets from assisting entire families. This bond strengthens the community fabric and validates the importance of bilingual service in fostering such connections.
Growing Opportunities
As Spectrum seeks to expand its bilingual team, Yolanda encourages interested individuals to consider joining. There are various bilingual positions available, making it an exciting time for those looking to leverage their language skills in a rewarding workplace. Yolanda insists, “Being bilingual is not just a skill; it’s a necessity that is so appreciated.”
Conclusion
In San Antonio, companies like Spectrum are leading the way in showing just how valuable bilingualism is in the workplace. There’s a strong push not just for business growth but for honoring cultural identities in an increasingly diverse country. As Yolanda and her colleagues demonstrate daily, language is a tool for connection, understanding, and community empowerment.
