Quite simply, our stakeholders must be able to understand us.
Our communication therefore needs to be crystal-clear and delivered in the right languages, with high-quality translations. So here are eight golden rules to remember.
Our company language is US English for all DSM communications to the outside world (with any other relevant languages following) – and we should always state this clearly.
Any interpretation issues must therefore always be resolved in English.
English is also the first language for all our internal communications to audiences of multiple nationalities (including our intranet and audio and video communications).
High-priority internal communications) for the entire DSM workforce (Eg, a co-CEO announcement) need to be provided in at least eight other languages: Dutch, French, German, Italian, European Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified Mandarin Chinese and Japanese.
All other company-wide internal communications - for example our DSM Engagement Survey questionnaire - should be delivered in the following languages (in addition to English): Dutch, German, French, Italian, European Spanish, Latin-American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Greek, Simplified Mandarin Chinese, Romanian, Russian, Hungarian, Polish, Turkish, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai.
Please ensure that all translations of company-wide corporate internal communications are coordinated by our Corporate Internal Communications team.
All signposting, visitor information and SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) information at DSM sites worldwide must be in English – as well as any other local language needed.
If you’re in any doubt when communicating in the English language, please refer to latest version of the DSM Writing Guide – especially the tone of voice chapter.
