Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our Language Professional Survey. We were delighted to receive responses from more than 25% of our language professional workforce,
The feedback shared through this survey will play an important role in shaping our thinking for the future. While we may not be able to address every issue immediately, the insights provided will help inform future workforce planning, consultation and decision-making.
Many language professionals value the ability to choose assignments, manage their own schedules, work remotely, and balance work with family and other commitments. The ability to work with multiple organisations was also identified as highly important by many respondents.
As we explore future workforce models, we will seek to preserve flexibility and choice for those who want it.
We acknowledge this concern. Rates have remained unchanged for several years, while the cost of living and the costs associated with delivering services have continued to rise.
Our move to an employment model is, in part, a recognition of this challenge. We want to create a workplace where interpreters are protected under employment law and have a stronger collective voice in shaping their pay and conditions.
An enterprise agreement provides a formal mechanism for negotiating wages and conditions, including future wage growth. It also creates an ongoing framework for advocacy, giving interpreters a structured and legally recognised process to collectively bargain on issues that affect their profession.
We also recognise that this challenge is bigger than remuneration alone. Creating a sustainable future for interpreters, translators, contractors and employees requires us to rethink how language services are delivered, valued and supported. Our goal is to help build a model that better recognises professional expertise, strengthens safe and ethical practice, supports workforce sustainability and delivers better outcomes for the communities who rely on these essential services.
The transition to employment is one step towards a future to create stronger foundations for everyone.
Many respondents would like more work opportunities, greater consistency in assignments, and fair access to available jobs. Some also raised concerns about assignment allocation processes, saying that securing bookings can sometimes feel highly competitive.
This is another reason why LanguageLoop is moving toward an employment model.
It can provide language professionals with new ways to build the career that is right for them.
Many language professionals value the ability to choose assignments, manage their own schedules, work remotely, and balance work with family and other commitments. The ability to work with multiple organisations was also identified as highly important by many respondents.
In-person service delivery is, and will continue to be, an important part of interpreting work. Like our interpreters, we are committed to providing high-quality services for clients and communities, and this will often require travel. Ensuring interpreters are not required to bear unreasonable travel-related costs is an important consideration in the development of our future employment model.
We are also exploring opportunities to increase the use of video interpreting where appropriate, helping to improve flexibility, reduce travel requirements, and maintain access to quality language services.
Views on future work arrangements varied, but many respondents expressed interest in benefits such as annual leave, sick leave, superannuation, predictable income, career development and greater job security.
As part of our workforce planning, we are exploring options that create greater career sustainability, including pathways to employment, access to workplace benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, while recognising that different people may prefer different ways of working.
Respondents provided feedback on the LanguageLoop portal, sign-off processes, assignment notifications and booking systems. Common suggestions included improving ease of use, providing more detailed booking information, and making assignment allocation and sign-off processes more efficient.
We are reviewing feedback about the LanguageLoop portal, assignment notifications, job allocation processes and sign-off systems to identify opportunities for improvement. Our goal is to create systems that make it easier for language professionals to access work, manage assignments and complete administrative tasks efficiently. We will keep you updated as this work progresses.
Many respondents highlighted the value of professional development opportunities and requested additional training, resources, networking opportunities, and support with credential maintenance and career growth.
Having a highly skilled workforce is important. We are considering how professional development can be better integrated into the language professional experience, including opportunities for ongoing learning, networking, skills development and career progression. This feedback will also inform future workforce and employment planning. For now, an increasingly important aspect will be NAATI certification and specialisation. There is no better time to update your credentials.
Many language professionals requested clearer information about assignments before accepting them, including more detail about appointment types, subject matter and client requirements. Respondents noted that better information helps them prepare and provide high-quality services.
We agree. This feedback is valuable. We will work with our systems and clients to improve the assignment information provided. It demonstrates the dedication of you, our language professionals who want nothing more than to deliver exceptional service.
You said you value your relationship with LanguageLoop, and connection with the organisation was important – including strong relationships with our central team.
We value you. The positive feedback we received reinforced the importance of maintaining strong relationships with our language professionals as we plan for the future. We are committed to ongoing consultation and engagement to ensure language professionals continue to have a meaningful role in shaping the services we deliver and the way we work together.
LanguageLoop acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea, and community. We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
We work on the lands of the Kulin Nation in Naarm.
