Boosting employee retention: Benefits of language learning in the workplace

Claire Chettiar
Coworkers sat at a desk with their laptops, smiling and talking to eachother

In the era of the Great Resignation, there are lots of factors that influence whether or not someone chooses to stay with their company or decides to accept a job offer from a new employer.

Whilst fair pay remains a constant in this, feeling included, valued, and cared about by colleagues plays a significant role in the decision on whether to stay or go.

Ìý

The power of language learning in the workplace
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ÃÛÌÒapp can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Ìý

In theÌý (2022), international consultancy firm PwC identified the top five predictors for employee turnover as:

  • Not finding their job to be fulfilling
  • Not being able to be their true self at work
  • Not being fairly rewarded financially
  • Not having a team that cares about them
  • Not being listened to by their manager.

It is clear from this that communication, empathy and listening skills are all critical in both attracting and retaining employees.

There are many ways in which companies can address these points, including embracing language learning for employees at all levels in their organization.

Language learning development can have an impact on three key areas, each of which speak to the important points that employees look for that PwC identified.

Effective communication

Language barriers can hinder effective communication and collaboration among team members. By investing in language learning programs, organizations can bridge these gaps and facilitate sharing ideas, exchanging knowledge, and building stronger relationships.

Listening skills to understand all points of view

One of the most important language skills is listening. Even if you are a native speaker in the language of your company, there is often a lot to learn and practice to get it right, but it has one of the most significant impacts on employees who want to be heard by their manager and understood by their teams.

Cultural awareness

As employees learn new languages, they gain firsthand experience of different cultures, breaking down stereotypes and dispelling misconceptions. This exposure to diverse languages and cultures encourages individuals to view their colleagues beyond their cultural backgrounds, fostering an environment that is open, inclusive, and free from prejudice.

Collectively, strong language skills allow all employees to express their true selves at work, whilst being respected and listened to in an inclusive environment.

Not only does this create a culture in which teams are more connected and effective in what they need to deliver, but it fosters an environment where employees feel valued and want to stay.

Building in opportunities to develop language skills as part of employees' development plans, whether through formal courses or informal self-paced learning, will deliver significant value not just to the individual but to the organization as a whole.

Read more in our post 'Ways to boost employee retention with language learning'.

Explore our workplace language solutions

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • People sat in a office, one with a VR headset on smiling and gesturing with the other two watching

    The impact of AI on language learning

    By

    Recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shown itself to be a useful and breakthrough tool for many things, including language learning. Educators, learners and businesses are constantly seeking effective methods to impart language skills and AI-powered solutions have proved to be invaluable assets in this regard.

    The impact of AI on language learning is multifaceted, presenting opportunities as well as challenges for educators, learners and corporate entities. According to a , many institutions say that AI will be instrumental to improving their competitiveness, funding, and innovation.

    It is a widely discussed topic nowadays. While it has its advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

  • A teacher stood by a student in a classroom smiling

    Online language teaching tools: A comprehensive guide for educators

    By ÃÛÌÒapp Languages

    Online language teaching has become a prominent facet of modern education, especially in light of recent global changes. The ability to instruct and learn languages online has opened up new possibilities for educators and students alike.

    The importance of using tools in online language teaching cannot be overstated. In this digital era, these tools serve as the linchpin for effective and engaging instruction. They enhance the learning experience, promote interaction and provide valuable resources that traditional teaching methods often lack.

    The digital language teaching landscape

    The shift to online education

    As a result of the digital revolution, which has completely changed how information is accessible and disseminated, education is moving toward being done online.

    has several benefits, such as:

    • Accessibility: Online language courses break down geographical barriers, allowing students worldwide to access quality instruction and teaching.
    • Flexibility: Students can tailor their learning schedules to their needs, making education more accommodating for a diverse range of learners.
    • Interactivity: Online platforms offer numerous interactive features, such as virtual classrooms, video conferences and chat tools, enhancing student-teacher and peer-to-peer interactions.
    • Rich resources:ÌýOnline language teaching can harness a vast array of multimedia resources, making learning more engaging and effective.

    Challenges for language educators

    While the shift to , it also brings challenges that language educators must navigate, including:

    • Adaptation: Educators must adapt to new teaching methods, technologies and platforms, which can be a steep learning curve for some.
    • Engagement: Maintaining student engagement in an online environment requires creative approaches and the integration of various teaching tools.
    • Assessment: Assessing student progress can be more complex online, but it also offers the opportunity for innovative assessment methods.
    • Technical issues: Connectivity problems and technical glitches can disrupt online classes, requiring educators to be tech-savvy troubleshooters.
    • Isolation: Online learning can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation among students, so educators need to foster a sense of community and support.

    Essential online language teaching tools

    The right tools are essential to create engaging and compelling learning experiences. This section explores the key categories of tools that educators can utilize to enhance their online language teaching.

    Tools for interactive lessons and activities

    • Video conferencing platforms: These platforms enable real-time interaction with students, allowing educators to conduct live lessons, engage in discussions and facilitate group activities. Video conferencing helps replicate the classroom experience online. Platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet provide a virtual classroom environment with features for video, audio and chat communication.
    • Interactive whiteboards: Tools like Jamboard andÌý allow educators to write, draw and share resources in real time. This feature enhances engagement and enables educators to illustrate concepts effectively.
    • Screen recorder: software allows educators to capture their lessons, which can be invaluable for students who miss a live session. Recorded lessons can also serve as a reference for students during their self-paced learning.
    • Teleprompter: A helps educators maintain a smooth and organized delivery during recorded lessons. It ensures that lessons stay on track and within a predefined timeframe, improving the clarity and effectiveness of instruction.

    Tools for assessment and feedback

    • Quizzes and surveys: Platforms like ÌýandÌý allow educators to create online quizzes and surveys for assessing students' knowledge.
    • Assignment submission tools: Learning management systems (LMSs) such asÌýÃÛÌÒapp English Connect (PEC)Ìýand MyEnglishLab (MEL) enable students to submit assignments electronically, making it easier for educators to grade and provide feedback.
    • Feedback forms: Google Forms and Microsoft Forms can collect student feedback, helping educators improve their teaching methods.

    Tools for content and resource creation

    • Video creation tools: Video editing software empowers educators to create engaging educational videos, lectures and tutorials. This multimedia approach can make complex concepts more accessible to students.
    • Video compressor: tools reduce the file size of videos without compromising quality. This is especially useful for ensuring students can easily access and stream video content, even with limited bandwidth.

    How to implement online language tools

    Implementing online language tools effectively is crucial for creating a dynamic and successful learning environment. Here are some best practices for integrating these tools into language teaching.

    • Alignment with learning objectives: Ensure your tools align with your course objectives. They should enhance the learning experience and help achieve specific educational goals.
    • Teacher training: Invest time in training educators to use these tools effectively. Familiarity with the tools' features and functionalities is essential.
    • Clear instructions: Provide clear and concise instructions on how to use the tools. Create tutorials or to help students navigate them effectively.
    • Accessibility and inclusivity: Ensure that the tools and content you use are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. This means considering factors like compatibility and providing transcripts for multimedia content.
    • Regular feedback: Encourage students to provide feedback on their experience with the tools. Use this feedback to make improvements and adjustments.

    Explore the tools discussed in this guide, experiment with them and adapt your teaching methods to the digital age. By staying curious, adaptable and open to innovation, you'll be better equipped to provide your students with the best possible language learning experience in the online realm. Happy teaching!Ìý

    If you're a teacher looking for more hints and advice to level up your language teaching, check out ourÌýlanguage teaching blog posts. We also have opportunities for professional development.Ìý

  • Young children in a group smiling and raising their hands

    Keeping students motivated in the lead-up to the holidays

    By

    As the holiday season approaches, learners often struggle to stay motivated and focused on their studies amidst the festive cheer and distractions. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the holidays, but maintaining consistency in language learning is crucial for making progress. To help you stay on track during this joyful yet potentially distracting time, here are some effective strategies and tips to keep things going.