KFC introduces sign language training for all employees

In celebration of International Day of Sign Languages, KFC is taking a monumental step in the hospitality industry, as it becomes the first QSR in India to launch a Sign Language training programme for 100 per cent of its employees. The first-of-its-kind training is required to be undertaken by all 17,000 KFC employees, who are spread across 240 cities in over 1200 restaurants, as well as those working in the brand’s corporate offices. 

Designed in consultation with a Sign Language expert, the online training covers multiple modules specifically crafted for a beginner to grasp the basics of ISL. The first module is focused on the alphabets in ISL, while subsequent ones focus on greetings and regular phrases that are key for holding a conversation in Sign Language. 

The training is part of KFC India’s Kshamata program, which is aimed at feeding people’s potential, and bridging the gender and ability gap. Through Kshamata, KFC is committed towards empowering women and the speech and hearing-impaired across restaurants; and aims to double the number of speech and hearing impaired (SHI) employees, by 2026. 

This year, as an extension of the #SpeakSign campaign, KFC aims to bring the entire hospitality industry together with the launch of India’s first interactive Sign Language kiosk that allows individuals to learn to order their favourite food items from across brands & cuisines using Indian Sign Language. This exhibit was unveiled at Select CityWalk, New Delhi and Ambience Mall, Gurugram, inviting consumers to learn to sign over 30 popular food items like Pizza, Burger, Dosa, Momos, Pasta, along with KFC favourites like Hot & Crispy, Chicken popcorn, Zinger.  

Speaking about the initiative, Moksh Chopra, General Manager, KFC India & Partner Countries, stated, “Through our KFC Kshamata program, one of the areas of focus has been to help unlock the potential and opportunities for the Hearing-impaired community. One of the most important steps towards this is spreading the usage of Sign Language and since 2021, our annual #SpeakSign campaign focuses on enabling this goal. This year, we are proud to announce that 100% of our teams will be trained in basic Indian Sign Language, making our restaurants across the country more inclusive. We’re also taking this Sign Language movement beyond just our organisation into the hospitality industry. With the interactive kiosk at popular locations, we’re encouraging consumers to learn to order their favourite food items across brands using Sign Language.” 

KFC India’s franchise partners Devyani International Limited (DIL) and Sapphire Foods India Limited (SFIL) have played an integral part in the Kshamata journey. 

Pradeep Das, CEO, KFC, Devyani International Limited (DIL) added, “All of us at DIL are proud partners of KFC’s Kshamata initiative. Bridging the ability gap is critical to creating accessible and inclusive workplaces. The rollout of Sign Language training is a forward-thinking approach which will help ensure that we’re fostering an environment across all our restaurants and offices where speech and hearing-impaired individuals, whether teams or consumers, can interact confidently.” 

Deepak Taluja, President & CEO-KFC at Sapphire Foods India Limited (SFIL) added, “Creating a culture where everyone feels valued is at the heart of SFIL, and all of us are extremely proud of the KFC Kshamata initiative. The rollout of Sign Language training for all employees is a significant step, and shows how small but powerful changes can help businesses foster truly inclusive environments. We at SFIL are committed towards feeding people’s potential with KFC Kshamata.”

The interactive kiosks are available in Select CityWalk, New Delhi & Ambience Mall, Gurugram until  September 21. Consumers can visit any of the 54 Special KFCs (operated by speech and hearing impaired employees) on International Day of Sign Language on September 23, and learn to #SpeakSign with team members as they encourage communication in ISL. Special Sign Language buckets and Sign Language menus have also been created to help consumers learn how to sign and order their KFC favourites, along with short tutorial videos on KFC’s social media channels and website.