FACT-APP: INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE SUPPORT FOR THE WORKPLACE

31 July 2024

The FACT app, an abbreviation for First Aid Communication Tool, is an innovative solution that revolutionizes communication in the workplace, especially for non-native speaking employees.

Here are some of the key features:

Picture Dictionary: The app functions as a picture dictionary for smartphones with a database of 3000 industry-specific terms that can be translated into 11 languages (Dutch, French, English, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Romanian, Polish, Spanish, Somali, and Ukrainian).
Translation and Pronunciation: The app not only translates the terms but also pronounces them and supports them with images, contributing to a better understanding and retention of vocabulary.
Offline Use: The app can be used offline once a vocabulary package has been downloaded, increasing accessibility for users without a constant internet connection.
Categories: Users can scroll through categories such as tools, machinery, parts, and safety.
Search Function: The app has an autocomplete feature that allows users to search for words. The app is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, so employees can quickly find the information they need.
Favorites: Users can set favorite words and test their knowledge.
Personalized Learning Experience: Users can choose their source language and set the desired target language or languages, providing a personalized learning experience through the app.
Regular Updates: The app is regularly updated and new vocabulary is added.

The app is particularly useful for sectors where technical terms and jargon often form a barrier for employees who do not have the local language as their native tongue, such as the metal industry, agriculture and horticulture, and the cleaning sector. By strengthening communication, the FACT app contributes to the well-being of employees, both morally by increasing self-confidence, and financially by reducing the risk of dismissal due to miscommunication.

Furthermore, native speakers have recorded the audio fragments, contributing to the authenticity and usability of the app. The app was tested in two phases by the involved sectors and launched on International Refugee Day in 2020. Since then, the app has been expanded with more languages and words, allowing it to now serve an even wider audience. The FACT app is an example of how technological innovation can lead to social improvements by facilitating communication and promoting inclusivity in the workplace.

Currently, vocabulary from the following sectors is available in the app: agriculture and horticulture, metal industry, cleaning, hospitality, food packaging, construction sector, healthcare sector, wood and furniture sector, and cleaning. In 2025, vocabulary for the following sectors would still be added: transport and logistics, retail, electricity, and administrative vocabulary. The app is thus regularly updated and new vocabulary is added.

Promotional videos, such as the one with the famous pastry chef Dominique Persoone for the hospitality industry, show the practical application of the app in various work environments. These videos are available on the YouTube channel of Wereldhuis West-Vlaanderen and offer a vivid demonstration of how the FACT app is used in practice.

The development of the FACT app was a collaboration between various organisations and institutions, led by the Province of West Flanders. This project was part of the Interreg V project AB Réfugiés-Emploi and was realized in collaboration with the following partners: POM West Flanders, VDAB, Le Forem, and the involved sectors.

Using the FACT-app in a professional context

Companies wishing to implement the FACT-app can do so by following a structured step-by-step plan that begins with a thorough analysis of the communication needs within their organisation. It is essential to identify the specific sectors and the languages spoken by employees so that the app can be effectively adapted to the company's needs. Subsequently, it is important to organize an internal campaign to inform staff about the benefits and use of the app. Training sessions can be organized to familiarize employees with the app and to ensure a smooth transition to the new communication system.

Technical implementation involves downloading the app on smartphones or other mobile devices and installing the necessary language packs. Companies should also consider integrating the app into their existing IT infrastructure for a seamless experience. It is also advisable to set up a feedback system so that employees can share their experiences and make suggestions for improvements. This will not only help refine the app but also increase staff engagement in the project.

By following these steps, companies can effectively implement the FACT-app and benefit from improved communication and safety at the workplace.