English-only rule

An English-only rule is a workplace policy requiring employees to speak only English while on the job or during specified work activities. Such rules are closely scrutinized under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on national origin.

Under 29 C.F.R. § 1606.7, a regulation issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) interpreting Title VII, English-only rules are lawful only when justified by business necessity; such as ensuring workplace safety, effective supervision, or communication with customers or coworkers who speak only English. Blanket prohibitions on speaking other languages are generally unlawful. More limited rules, such as requiring English during recorded meetings or when interacting with English-speaking clients, may be upheld if narrowly tailored to legitimate business needs.

[Last reviewed in October of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]

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