Neal HolladayNeal Holladay is a human relations consultant specializing in Hispanic relations and management development.ManagementKeys to Getting Productive EmployeesMarch 31, 2005ManagementUnderstanding the Cultural Differences of Hispanic WorkersBe careful when using gestures to communicate with Hispanic employees. Certain hand gestures mean different things in different cultures and can be taken the wrong way. For example, never snap your fingers at a Hispanic employee. In some Latin American countries, this is a gesture used only with animals and could inadvertently offend. Being compared to an animal is particularly offensive in Latin America.Hispanics are, in general, a lighthearted, social people who love to laugh and joke. But humor rarely translates. Americans tend to enjoy cerebral and witty humor, whereas Latin American humor tends to be more situational and slapstick. Be mindful of using humor when interacting with Hispanics. Degrading humor such as "Your Mama" jokes, for example, are not likely to go over well, particularly among those who are not used to Americanstyle comedy.January 31, 2005Page 1 of 1Top StoriesRetailThriving Through Innovation: See the Winners of the 2025 WFB Outstanding Retailer AwardsFrom reimagined showrooms and mobile studios to thoughtful mentorship, employee empowerment and social media marketing, these WFB Outstanding Retailers are proving that personalized service is key to long-term success.TechniquesUseful Advice When Dealing With Pine FlooringContractingHow I Do These Jobs: Refinishing DecksNewsRecognizing Wood Floor Contractors: Enter the 2025 Ultimate Wood Floor Guy/Gal ContestSponsor ContentMeet the MFMA: Setting the Gold Standard in Sports Flooring
