Unlocking economic potential with language learning

Samantha Ball
Coworkers talking together in an office by windows
Reading time: 5 minutes

As demographic shifts and technological advancements reshape the global workforce, the gap between the skills people have and the skills they need continues to widen. This "skills chasm" is particularly evident in language learning, where traditional education systems often fail to keep pace with the demands of the modern economy.

Unlocking economic potential with language learning
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The skills chasm in language learning

Demographics and technological disruption

The aging population and declining birth rates mean fewer young people are entering the workforce, including roles that require multilingual capabilities. , highlighting the need for lifelong language learning to keep older workers engaged and productive.

Also, advancements in AI are reshaping the learning and usage of languages in professional settings. Tools like language translation services and learning applications are increasing the demand for employees who can utilize these technologies and adapt to evolving linguistic tools.

By 2030, i, including language capabilities, which will require ongoing improvements in language proficiency. In our report, How English empowers your tomorrow, 40% of survey participants expressed concern that AI could replace their jobs within the next five years. Mastery of English is considered essential for securing careers in a landscape heavily influenced by new technologies and AI.

Economic stakes and language learning

Economic growth

Enhanced language skills can significantly contribute to economic growth. For instance, a one-standard-deviation increase in cognitive skills, which includes language proficiency, is in a country¡¯s annual economic growth. This highlights the economic value of investing in language education.

Transition losses

In language learning, transition losses refer to delays in acquiring essential language skills for employment. Bridging these gaps can lessen economic losses and enhance job readiness.

, with a considerable amount stemming from skills gaps, including language proficiency. Our survey results show that those employees who work for a company that offers language training are more than twice as likely to say that they are very satisfied with their job than those working for companies that do not offer any language training.?

However, only 33% of learners indicate that their employer provides language training. Happier employees are more inclined to remain with their company longer, thereby reducing overall turnover costs

Learning to learn

Emphasizing learning-to-learn skills in corporate training for HR professionals can enhance efficiency in employee development. Metacognitive strategies, such as self-assessment and goal setting, help employees retain and apply new concepts and skills more effectively. By investing in and implementing solutions that address these needs, businesses can cultivate a more competent and adaptable workforce. Tools like 'Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp' can support their learning.

Aligning with market needs

Language learning pathways should be aligned with labor market needs. Industries such as international business, tourism, and diplomacy require specific language skills that should be integrated into educational programs. Creating adaptive and transparent pathways for language learning can help individuals navigate their careers more effectively. For help on aligning language skills with jobs, make sure to look at our GSE Job Profiles.

Flexible pathways

Establishing adaptable and clear pathways for language acquisition is crucial. This involves providing modular courses, certifications, and opportunities for real-world language practice. For instance, virtual reality training can create realistic language-use scenarios, guiding learners in determining if they should change their course. For example, ÃÛÌÒapp has an AI-driven language training tool named Digital Language Tutor, designed to assist learners in realistic language environments.

The path forward: Investing in language learning for economic success

For HR professionals and decision-makers, the message is clear. Investing in language learning is a strategic economic imperative.?Bridging language learning can enhance employee potential while driving significant economic growth and reducing transition losses.?

The future of work demands a proactive approach to language learning, ensuring that individuals and organizations are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in a globalized economy. and find out how to close it with language learning.

Get in touch about our corporate solutions

Read our blog posts 'Real-world English: How GSE Job Profiles bridge learning and work'?and 'Improving employee engagement: The crucial role of language learning in business'.

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  • A Parent reading to his two children from a book with all three of them laying on the floor

    How can teachers encourage parents to get kids reading at home?

    By Donatella Fitzgerald MBE

    ¡°Sharing a story with your child is one of the most incredible things you can do for them.¡± ¨C .

    Research shows that getting kids reading at home can increase their reading ability at school ¨C and improve their overall well-being. Parents and guardians can make a big difference. But how can teachers encourage parents to get their children to read more at home? We explore some strategies you can use.

    Tell parents about the benefits

    Reading can give children a break from technology-centered activities. It can help them to relax and unwind; reading a book can make children laugh and feel happier! Through hearing stories, children are also exposed to a rich and broad vocabulary.

    ¡°It is important for teachers to establish contact with parents as much as possible and give very clear guidelines on the benefits of reading, and how they can create a reading routine and help their children read at home,¡± says Kasia Janitz-De La Rue, Product Development Director at ÃÛÌÒapp.

    So, encourage parents to find time for a reading routine. Just before bedtime is a great time, as .

    Give parents practical ideas for reading strategies

    Encourage parents to read with and not to their child. It doesn¡¯t matter how long they set aside to read ¨C just 10 minutes of quality reading time can make a big difference.

    Here are a few tips concrete reading tips for teachers to share with parents:

    • Ask children lots of questions while reading.
    • Use encouragement and praise to keep children engaged. Saying things like ¡°what fantastic ideas¡± or ¡°you thought so carefully about that, what might happen now?"?will keep their minds working.
    • Use their past experiences to talk about what¡¯s being read. Things like ¡°have you learnt about¡­at school?¡± or ¡°do you remember when we watched¡­and found out about¡­?¡± are good conversation starters.
    • Tune in and listen to children, and be curious about their interests. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you knew so much about¡­¡± or ¡°I love reading stories about¡­with you,¡± are good phrases to keep in mind.

    It¡¯s also a great idea to share online resources with parents. You can also suggest that parents look up read-aloud YouTube videos featuring authors, teachers or librarians reading their favorite stories. This way, children can watch and listen as often as they like.

    Recommend graded readers

    Graded readers are books that use language in line with a child¡®s learning level. They can help children build confidence, and help slowly expose them to authentic reading levels.

    Encourage parents to identify what genre their child is interested in and show them the readers available. Each time parents see their children move up a level, they¡¯re sure to see their children¡¯s love for reading grow.

    Suggest before, during, and after reading activities

    Before reading

    Parents can take turns with their children to predict what the story is about ¨C or what will happen next. Here is an activity teachers may suggest they try:

    ¡°Start with the cover of the book and the blurb on the back cover. Reveal the cover slowly to ask the child what they can see. Ask them to guess what is on the cover. Once they have seen the cover, ask them questions about the images on the cover ¨C who, what, why, where and how?¡±

    While reading

    Remind parents to focus on their children¡¯s reading comprehension by using strategies like prediction, questioning, clarifying, and summarising. Teachers can ask parents to:

    • check ideas and understanding as the child reads: ¡®So, you think that¡­.¡¯ ¡®Did you expect¡­to happen?¡¯ ¡®Why do you think that happened?¡¯
    • use the pictures in the book to help with comprehension
    • describe what is happening and talk about the characters.

    After reading

    Don¡¯t forget: parents can continue to explore the book¡¯s topic once reading time is done! A few ideas to share with parents include:

    • organising a puppet show for family members and siblings after making puppets of the characters in the book
    • having children draw a picture of their favorite character or their favorite page in the story
    • encouraging children to express their opinion on the book.